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Trump’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an further complete levy on Chinese goods has been called a “classic case” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that China could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President executes his warning, adding that the country was “fearless” of a potential commercial battle.

This past Friday, the former president responded at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of rare earths, charging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a scheduled summit with China’s President Xi, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments renewed fears of a trade war between the US and China.

This past spring, the two sides had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – echoed rhetoric from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending China’s own export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the proper method to interact with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson commented.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has always been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the state refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a summit in Seoul before month’s end, will go ahead.