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The former US president’s latest warning to impose an extra complete levy on products from China has been described as a “classic case” of US double standards, according to the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to tighten its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, charging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he threatened to cancel a planned talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on Friday rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

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

This past spring, the two sides had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports facing an added 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of written responses to media inquiries – reflected rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused export control measures and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to deal with Beijing,” the official commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has remained steady: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, China declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a key move, as the country processes about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

New remarks from both governments are being interpreted by some as a strategy of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.