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The former US president’s newest warning to enforce an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that China could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the US President carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump responded at Beijing’s move to reinforce its policies for overseas sales of critical elements, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also threatened to pull out of a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was arranged for a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

These statements reignited fears of a trade war between the US and China.

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to remove high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the country are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of all nations.

The spokesperson stated that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the proper method to deal with China,” the spokesperson stated.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has consistently been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, China declared it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and other materials critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country handles about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by some as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a summit in Seoul before month’s end, will go ahead.