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Donald Trump’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that China could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

On Friday, Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he threatened to cancel a arranged talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

The president’s words revived apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

This left, United States levies on products from China facing an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the Chinese market are subject to a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard national security and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to engage with China,” the spokesperson stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, China revealed it was tightening export controls on key elements and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a significant step, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

New remarks from both governments are being viewed by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.