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The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to impose an extra complete levy on Chinese goods has been called a “typical example” of US double standards, per the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the US President carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, the former president retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, charging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

He also warned to cancel a arranged summit with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

The president’s words revived fears of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

In May, the respective governments had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an added 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the country face a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Commerce Ministry in the form of formal replies to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “many years”, the US had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, abused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with Beijing,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has always been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and other materials critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state refines about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by some as a method of strengthening positions prior to upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.