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Donald Trump’s newest warning to impose an further complete levy on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that Beijing could introduce its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his pledge, adding that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Furthermore, he warned to pull out of a planned meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on that day shook financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements revived concerns of a trade conflict between the US and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China subject to an added import tax compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

The official stated that for “many years”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to engage with China,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has consistently been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a key move, as the country handles about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

New remarks from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.