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The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that China could implement its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a planned talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in South Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

These statements reignited apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to remove significant levies on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports incurring an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the country face a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to press queries – mirrored terminology from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while defending China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to safeguard national security and that of every country.

The official remarked that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to deal with Beijing,” the spokesperson stated.

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

Recently, China declared it was tightening export controls on rare earths and further resources vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation handles about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

New remarks from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.