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Trump’s newest warning to introduce an additional complete levy on Chinese goods has been called a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the US President follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of rare earths, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a arranged talks with China’s President President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements reignited concerns of a trade war between the United States and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two nations.

Consequently, US tariffs on products from China facing an extra import tax compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the country are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored language from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of all nations.

Their representative remarked that for “many years”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to engage with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, China revealed it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and other materials essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the nation handles about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are used in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a method of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a conference in South Korea later this month, will still proceed.