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The former US president’s latest warning to impose an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been called a “typical example” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that China could implement its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the US President follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade conflict.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also threatened to pull out of a arranged meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a summit in South Korea later this month.

His statements on that day shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments reignited fears of a trade war between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

Consequently, US tariffs on products from China subject to an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the country face a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of all nations.

Their representative remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the proper method to interact with Beijing,” their representative commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has remained consistent: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing revealed it was tightening export controls on rare earths and other materials essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the country processes about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.