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Trump’s newest warning to introduce an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that China could enact its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade conflict.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

He also vowed to pull out of a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping 2.7%, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

His comments renewed fears of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the both nations had agreed to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

As a result, United States levies on products from China facing an extra import tax compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to safeguard national security and that of the global community.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the proper method to deal with China,” their representative said.

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

Recently, China revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a key move, as the country refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

New remarks from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and President Xi, expected at a summit in Seoul before month’s end, will go ahead.