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Donald Trump’s newest threat to impose an extra full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that the nation could implement its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

This past Friday, the former president responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a scheduled talks with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on that day rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

These statements renewed fears of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the Chinese market face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – echoed rhetoric from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while defending Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

The official said that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused export control measures and “enforced” biased policies against China.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to engage with Beijing,” the official commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the nation processes about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are used in items such as solar panels and handheld devices.

New remarks from both governments are being viewed by some as a means of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between Donald Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.