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Donald Trump’s newest ultimatum to enforce an extra complete levy on products from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could implement its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the American leader carries out his warning, adding that the country was “fearless” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its policies for exports of rare earths, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a scheduled meeting with China’s President Xi, which was set for a meeting in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index dropping 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

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

In May, the both nations had consented to drop high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese goods incurring an added import tax compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of all nations.

The spokesperson stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the right way to engage with China,” the spokesperson commented.

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, China announced it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a significant step, as the country handles about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from both governments are being interpreted by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in South Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.