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The former US president’s latest ultimatum to impose an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that China could introduce its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the American leader carries out his pledge, adding that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

He also warned to pull out of a arranged talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since April.

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

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to drop significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two nations.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of official answers to press queries – echoed terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of state security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to deal with Beijing,” the official commented.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has remained unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, Beijing declared it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation processes about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being seen by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks, will still proceed.