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The former US president’s newest ultimatum to impose an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for exports of rare earths, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a arranged summit with China’s President President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

His statements on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

The president’s words reignited fears of a trade war between the United States and China.

In May, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese goods incurring an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the country face a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with Beijing,” the official commented.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has remained steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the country handles about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.