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The former US president’s newest ultimatum to impose 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 Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that the nation could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a potential commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its policies for exports of critical elements, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

He also warned to pull out of a planned meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since April.

His comments revived apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had reached an agreement to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China facing an added thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the format of formal replies to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while defending China’s own export controls on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

The official remarked that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to engage with China,” the official said.

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

Last week, Beijing declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources essential to cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state refines about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in products such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.