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The former US president’s newest warning to impose an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the US President follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for exports of critical elements, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since April.

The president’s words reignited fears of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese goods facing an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised American limits on exports on electronic components while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

Their representative stated that for “many years”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to deal with China,” the official stated.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government declared it was strengthening export controls on key elements and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the country processes about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, planned at a summit in South Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.