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The former US president’s latest ultimatum to impose an additional full import duty on products from China has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Additionally, he threatened to withdraw from a scheduled talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

The president’s words renewed fears of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove high import duties on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering China incur a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of formal replies to journalist’s questions – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of all nations.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson commented.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing revealed it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on key elements and further resources critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state processes about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being seen by some as a means of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Donald Trump and President Xi, planned at a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.