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Trump’s newest threat to impose an extra full import duty on products from China has been called a “typical example” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that China could enact its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of rare earths, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also vowed to withdraw from a planned talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

The president’s words revived apprehensions of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on products from China incurring an additional import tax compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to press queries – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while defending the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “normal actions” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

The official said that for “a long time”, the US had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to interact with China,” the spokesperson stated.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was reinforcing export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for high-technology production.

This was seen as a key move, as the nation processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power ahead of forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will still proceed.