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The former US president’s newest ultimatum to impose an additional complete levy on products from China has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that the nation could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a looming commercial battle.

On Friday, the former president retaliated at Beijing’s move to reinforce its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earths, charging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Furthermore, he threatened to cancel a scheduled meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

His comments reignited apprehensions of a trade conflict between the US and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese goods facing an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the format of official answers to press queries – echoed terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” biased policies against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to engage with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has always been steady: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, Beijing declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the country handles about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are used in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

New remarks from the US and China are being viewed by analysts as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a conference in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.