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The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to impose an further 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 Beijing could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the US President follows through on his threat, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a scheduled talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on that day unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

His comments revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had reached an agreement to remove high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

This left, United States levies on Chinese goods facing an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earths as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official remarked that for “many years”, the US had “overstretched the concept of national security, exploited export control measures and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the right way to engage with China,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing revealed it was strengthening export controls on key elements and further resources essential to cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being seen by some as a strategy of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.