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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 called a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his warning, adding that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade conflict.

This past Friday, the former president retaliated at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a arranged summit with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on that day shook global markets, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

These statements reignited concerns of a trade war between the United States and China.

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to remove high import duties on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China incurring 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.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of written responses to media inquiries – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of every country.

The official remarked that for “a long time”, the America had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against China.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with China,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the state handles about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are used in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by observers as a method of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.