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The former US president’s most recent warning to enforce an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could enact its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade war.

This past Friday, Trump hit back at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Furthermore, he threatened to withdraw from a scheduled talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments reignited apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the economic powers.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the Chinese market face a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the form of written responses to media inquiries – echoed terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard national security and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “many years”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to engage with Beijing,” the spokesperson stated.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has remained consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and additional substances essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in goods such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

New remarks from the US and China are being seen by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.