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Donald Trump’s latest threat to impose an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of US double standards, according to the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the US President follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump responded at Beijing’s move to tighten its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Additionally, he threatened to cancel a arranged summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on that day rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

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

Earlier this year, the both nations had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports incurring an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the Chinese market face a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of all nations.

Their representative said that for “a long time”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with the Chinese government,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has remained unchanging: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was tightening overseas sale regulations on key elements and further resources vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation refines about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are used in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.