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The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been labeled a “classic case” of US double standards, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade war.

This past Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to strengthen its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, charging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a arranged meeting with China’s President Xi, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on Friday rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

These statements renewed fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.

This past spring, the two sides had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while American products entering China face a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of formal replies to press queries – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while defending China’s own export controls on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard national security and that of every country.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused export control measures and “enforced” biased policies against China.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to engage with Beijing,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has always been steady: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing export controls on rare earths and other materials critical for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country handles about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Donald Trump and President Xi, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.