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Donald Trump’s newest ultimatum to impose an additional full import duty on products from China has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could implement its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the US President follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for exports of rare earths, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

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

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments reignited concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had consented to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the economic powers.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese imports facing an extra 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the country are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to safeguard national security and that of the global community.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of national security, abused export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to interact with China,” the spokesperson commented.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has remained unchanging: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, China announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the country refines about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in goods such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being viewed by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a high-level meeting in Seoul later this month, will go ahead.