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Donald Trump’s most recent threat to impose an extra complete levy on Chinese goods has been called a “classic case” of US double standards, per the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that China could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the US President executes his warning, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to strengthen its policies for foreign shipments of critical elements, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also vowed to withdraw from a scheduled talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping 2.7%, marking its largest decline since April.

His comments renewed concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two nations.

As a result, American import duties on products from China subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the country face a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending the country’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure national security and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to deal with China,” the official said.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has remained steady: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China revealed it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation refines about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in goods such as solar panels and mobile phones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being seen by some as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.