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Donald Trump’s most recent threat to introduce an further full import duty on Chinese goods has been labeled a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a arranged meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

The president’s words renewed apprehensions of a trade war between the US and China.

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on products from China incurring an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the country face a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the form of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of all nations.

The spokesperson remarked that for “a long time”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “adopted discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

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

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has remained steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing revealed it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earths and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

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

New remarks from both governments are being viewed by observers as a means of enhancing bargaining power ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.