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Trump’s newest ultimatum to introduce an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could implement its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the US President carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its rules for overseas sales of critical elements, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a planned meeting with China’s President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index closing down nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

These statements reignited apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

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

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering China face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the format of formal replies to press queries – mirrored terminology from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s export controls on rare earths as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with Beijing,” the spokesperson commented.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has always been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing revealed it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state handles about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being seen by analysts as a means of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a summit in Seoul before month’s end, will go ahead.