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Trump’s latest ultimatum to introduce an further full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, according to the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that the nation could implement its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its regulations for exports of rare earths, alleging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also threatened to pull out of a planned summit with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul later this month.

The former president’s remarks on that day rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments revived fears of a trade war between the United States and China.

In May, the both nations had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports facing an additional 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the country incur a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to protect national security and that of all nations.

Their representative said that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with Beijing,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has remained unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earths and other materials essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the country handles about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by some as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in South Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.