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The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an further full import duty on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his pledge, adding that the country was “fearless” of a potential commercial battle.

This past Friday, Trump retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for overseas sales of rare earths, charging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a scheduled summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since April.

These statements reignited apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

This left, United States levies on Chinese imports incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China are subject to a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – echoed language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while defending China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has consistently been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, China declared it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on key elements and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a significant step, as the country refines about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in products such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

New remarks from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power prior to forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.