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Trump’s newest warning to introduce an extra complete levy on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of US double standards, according to the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to tighten its rules for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Additionally, he threatened to cancel a scheduled summit with China’s President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

These statements reignited fears of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

In May, the respective governments had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, United States levies on products from China incurring an additional import tax compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of formal replies to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending China’s own export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

The official said that for “a long time”, the US had “overstretched the concept of state security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to interact with Beijing,” the spokesperson stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has remained steady: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, Beijing declared it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the state refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are used in goods such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a method of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in South Korea later this month, will go ahead.