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Donald Trump’s newest threat to enforce an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, the former president retaliated at Beijing’s move to reinforce its regulations for exports of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he threatened to withdraw from a arranged talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

His statements on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

These statements revived fears of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

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

This left, US tariffs on Chinese imports incurring an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China face a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “standard procedures” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” biased policies against China.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to engage with China,” their representative stated.

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

The previous week, China declared it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.