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Donald Trump’s newest ultimatum to enforce an further complete levy on products from China has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that China could enact its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to withdraw from a scheduled summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

These statements reignited fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.

In May, the two sides had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on products from China subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “many years”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to deal with Beijing,” the spokesperson commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has consistently been steady: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a key move, as the state refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as solar panels and mobile phones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being seen by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.