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The former US president’s most recent threat to enforce an further complete levy on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of US double standards, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade conflict.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at Beijing’s move to tighten its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a planned meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was set for a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

The president’s words reignited apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

In May, the both nations had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two nations.

This left, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China are subject to a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored language from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting China’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.

The official remarked that for “many years”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to deal with the Chinese government,” the official stated.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and further resources critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state processes about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a summit in Seoul before month’s end, will still proceed.