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Trump’s most recent threat to introduce an further complete levy on items imported from China has been labeled a “typical example” of US double standards, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could introduce its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for overseas sales of critical elements, charging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

He also vowed to pull out of a scheduled talks with China’s President President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on Friday rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

His comments reignited concerns of a trade war between the United States and China.

In May, the both nations had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two nations.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese imports incurring an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the country face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of written responses to media inquiries – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, exploited export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

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

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has consistently been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

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

This was seen as a important measure, as the state processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a means of strengthening positions prior to forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.