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Trump’s newest ultimatum to impose an further full import duty on products from China has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, the former president retaliated at Beijing’s move to reinforce its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

He also threatened to pull out of a planned meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

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

In May, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

This left, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering China face a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – echoed rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of all nations.

Their representative stated that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused export control measures and “implemented” biased policies against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to interact with China,” the official commented.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, China revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials essential to high-technology production.

This was seen as a significant step, as the country refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by observers as a method of enhancing bargaining power ahead of future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and President Xi, planned at a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks, will still proceed.