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Donald Trump’s newest threat to enforce an further complete levy on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President follows through on his threat, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a scheduled talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea 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 steepest fall since last spring.

The president’s words reignited concerns of a trade conflict between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two nations.

As a result, United States levies on products from China subject to an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the country are subject to a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to press queries – mirrored language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while defending China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, abused export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to engage with China,” the official stated.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has consistently been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, China declared it was reinforcing export controls on key elements and additional substances vital for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and smartphones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.