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The former US president’s newest ultimatum to introduce an additional complete levy on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President executes his threat, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade war.

On Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its rules for overseas sales of critical elements, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Additionally, he threatened to withdraw from a scheduled talks with China’s President Xi, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on that day shook global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

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

In May, the two sides had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the economic powers.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the country face a ten percent duty.

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

Officials denounced US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure national security and that of every country.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against China.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to interact with China,” their representative stated.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, China announced it was tightening overseas sale regulations on key elements and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the country refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a means of strengthening positions ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, planned at a summit in Seoul before month’s end, will still proceed.