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Donald Trump’s most recent ultimatum to impose an additional complete levy on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that China could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “fearless” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its policies for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Furthermore, he threatened to cancel a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul later this month.

The former president’s remarks on that day rattled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments reignited apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

In May, the respective governments had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an added import tax compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the country are subject to a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of all nations.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, misused export control measures and “implemented” biased policies against China.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to deal with the Chinese government,” the official said.

“China’s position on a tariff war has consistently been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, China declared it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earths and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation handles about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by observers as a means of strengthening positions ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will go ahead.