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The former US president’s newest ultimatum to introduce an further full import duty on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could introduce its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader carries out his warning, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming commercial battle.

This past Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for overseas sales of rare earths, charging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he threatened to withdraw from a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was set for a summit in Seoul later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

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

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese imports incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the country incur a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to media inquiries – reflected language from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to interact with China,” the spokesperson commented.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has always been steady: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government announced it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on key elements and further resources essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the country processes about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will go ahead.