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Trump’s latest threat to introduce an further full import duty on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that the nation could introduce its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, charging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a planned meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments reignited fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.

In May, the respective governments had agreed to remove high import duties on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, United States levies on Chinese goods incurring an added import tax compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the country are subject to a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited export control measures and “enforced” biased policies against Beijing.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to interact with China,” the official said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been steady: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government declared it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state refines about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and President Xi, expected at a high-level meeting in Seoul later this month, will go ahead.