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Donald Trump’s most recent warning to enforce an further complete levy on Chinese goods has been labeled a “classic case” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could enact its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Furthermore, he threatened to withdraw from a scheduled summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul later this month.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since April.

His comments revived apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the respective governments had agreed to drop significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, US tariffs on products from China subject to an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the country incur a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of formal replies to press queries – mirrored language from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard national security and that of every country.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to engage with China,” the spokesperson said.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been steady: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing announced it was reinforcing export controls on rare earths and other materials essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country handles about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by observers as a strategy of strengthening positions prior to forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will still proceed.