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Donald Trump’s newest ultimatum to impose an additional complete levy on products from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the US President executes his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to tighten its rules for exports of rare earths, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Furthermore, he vowed to cancel a planned talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul later this month.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

His comments revived apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an extra import tax compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting Beijing’s export controls on rare earths as “standard procedures” to protect state interests and that of every country.

Their representative stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to engage with the Chinese government,” the official said.

“China’s position on a tariff war has consistently been consistent: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government declared it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a important measure, as the country processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, planned at a conference in South Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.