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Trump’s most recent ultimatum to impose an additional complete levy on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President executes his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for exports of rare earths, charging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

He also vowed to withdraw from a planned summit with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on that day unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since April.

The president’s words revived fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China incur a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of written responses to media inquiries – reflected language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending the country’s own export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to deal with China,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a tariff war has consistently been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the nation refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

New remarks from the US and China are being seen by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a summit in Seoul before month’s end, will still proceed.