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The former US president’s newest warning to introduce an further complete levy on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President executes his threat, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to reinforce its policies for overseas sales of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Furthermore, he threatened to cancel a scheduled summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

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

This past spring, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports incurring an added thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while American products entering China incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the form of official answers to media inquiries – reflected terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earths as “standard procedures” to protect national security and that of every country.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” biased policies against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to engage with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has always been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and additional substances critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the state processes about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in products such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power prior to future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.