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The former US president’s latest ultimatum to introduce an further full import duty on products from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that China could introduce its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the American leader carries out his threat, adding that the country was “fearless” of a potential commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to strengthen its policies for foreign shipments of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he threatened to withdraw from a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

These statements revived apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese imports facing an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the country are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to press queries – mirrored language from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to safeguard state interests and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, abused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to deal with the Chinese government,” their representative stated.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has always been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government declared it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials critical for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the nation handles about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are used in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by observers as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and President Xi, expected at a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.