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The former US president’s latest warning to impose an extra complete levy on Chinese goods has been called a “typical example” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that China could introduce its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to strengthen its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, charging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also threatened to pull out of a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by 2.7%, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

These statements renewed apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

This left, United States levies on Chinese imports facing an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while American products entering China incur a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of formal replies to journalist’s questions – reflected rhetoric from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while defending China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “routine measures” to protect national security and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of state security, exploited export control measures and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to interact with the Chinese government,” the official said.

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing declared it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for high-technology production.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are used in products such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Donald Trump and President Xi, planned at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will still proceed.