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Donald Trump’s newest threat to impose an further complete levy on products from China has been described as a “classic case” of US double standards, according to the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President executes his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade war.

This past Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to reinforce its policies for exports of critical elements, accusing China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to withdraw from a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on that day rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its largest decline since April.

His comments revived concerns of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

This left, United States levies on Chinese goods incurring an extra import tax compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the country incur a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Using” tariff threats is not the right way to engage with the Chinese government,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has consistently been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, China revealed it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and further resources essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the country handles about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in goods such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

New remarks from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a method of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and President Xi, planned at a high-level meeting in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.