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Donald Trump’s newest warning to introduce an further complete levy on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his warning, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to reinforce its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a scheduled meeting with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

The president’s words renewed fears of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an added import tax compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of official answers to media inquiries – echoed rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending the country’s own export controls on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused export control measures and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to interact with Beijing,” their representative stated.

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

Last week, the Chinese government revealed it was tightening export controls on key elements and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the nation refines about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being seen by observers as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will go ahead.