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Trump’s latest threat to introduce an additional complete levy on Chinese goods has been called a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, charging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a arranged meeting with China’s President President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul later this month.

Trump’s comments on Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

These statements revived concerns of a trade conflict between the US and China.

In May, the two sides had consented to drop significant levies on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

This left, United States levies on Chinese imports incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the form of written responses to press queries – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to safeguard national security and that of the global community.

Their representative said that for “a long time”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, exploited export control measures and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the right way to interact with China,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has always been steady: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, China revealed it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a key move, as the country processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are used in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by observers as a method of strengthening positions prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, expected at a conference in South Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.