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Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum to enforce an additional complete levy on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to tighten its policies for exports of critical elements, charging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a planned meeting with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on last Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

The president’s words revived fears of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods subject to an added import tax compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while supporting China’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” biased policies against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” the spokesperson commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation handles about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power prior to forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.