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Donald Trump’s latest warning to introduce an additional 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 further commented that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his threat, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump responded at Beijing’s move to tighten its rules for exports of critical elements, alleging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a planned meeting with China’s President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

The president’s words reignited concerns of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the both nations had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China subject to an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited export control measures and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to engage with Beijing,” the spokesperson stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has consistently been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, China announced it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a significant step, as the country processes about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being seen by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.