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Donald Trump’s most recent threat to introduce an extra complete levy on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

This past Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of critical elements, charging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to cancel a planned meeting with China’s President Xi, which was set for a meeting in Seoul later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since April.

These statements reignited fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had consented to remove significant levies on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on products from China incurring an added 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the country face a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the format of formal replies to press queries – reflected language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on electronic components while defending China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official stated that for “many years”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against China.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to deal with the Chinese government,” the official said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing declared it was tightening export controls on key elements and further resources vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the country processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

New remarks from both governments are being viewed by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.