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Trump’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an further complete levy on products from China has been labeled a “classic case” of US double standards, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the US President executes his threat, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade conflict.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at Beijing’s move to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of critical elements, alleging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

He also warned to cancel a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

The president’s words revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an added import tax compared with the start of the year, while American products entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – echoed rhetoric from the height of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited export control measures and “enforced” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” the spokesperson stated.

“China’s position on a tariff war has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing declared it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and additional substances critical for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Donald Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will still proceed.