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Donald Trump’s most recent ultimatum to impose an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, according to the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of rare earths, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to withdraw from a arranged meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

These statements revived apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, US tariffs on products from China facing an added import tax compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure state interests and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Using” tariff threats is not the right way to engage with China,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has consistently been steady: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the country handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a means of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, planned at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.