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Trump’s latest threat to impose an further full import duty on products from China has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade conflict.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a arranged meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on that day shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments revived fears of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had reached an agreement to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

This left, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the country are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while supporting the country’s own export controls on key elements as “routine measures” to protect national security and that of every country.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to engage with China,” the official stated.

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing declared it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and other materials essential to high-technology production.

This was seen as a important measure, as the country refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a means of enhancing bargaining power prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.