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Trump’s most recent warning to enforce an additional complete levy on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that China could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the US President carries out his pledge, adding that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade war.

On Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he vowed to pull out of a scheduled talks with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on that day shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

The president’s words renewed apprehensions of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the respective governments had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on products from China facing an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the country incur a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the format of written responses to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “routine measures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” biased policies against China.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with China,” their representative said.

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

The previous week, the Chinese government declared it was tightening overseas sale regulations on key elements and additional substances critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a key move, as the nation processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

New remarks from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.