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Donald Trump’s most recent ultimatum to impose an additional complete levy on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, according to the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could introduce its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the American leader executes his warning, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to reinforce its policies for exports of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he vowed to pull out of a arranged talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

The president’s words reignited apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China facing an added thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering China face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to press queries – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of all nations.

Their representative stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” the spokesperson stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country processes about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being seen by observers as a means of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.