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Trump’s most recent threat to impose an further full import duty on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that China could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader carries out his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to tighten its regulations for exports of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a planned summit with China’s President President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on that day shook financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments revived concerns of a trade war between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports facing an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the Chinese market face a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of formal replies to media inquiries – echoed terminology from the height of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying the country’s own export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard domestic safety and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the America had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to deal with China,” the official commented.

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, Beijing revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the nation processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a means of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.