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The former US president’s most recent warning to introduce an further full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for exports of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Furthermore, he vowed to pull out of a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was set for a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on that day unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

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

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on products from China subject to an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the country are subject to a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of formal replies to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of the global community.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused export control measures and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to interact with the Chinese government,” the official said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has consistently been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, Beijing revealed it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in products such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from both governments are being viewed by some as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, planned at a conference in South Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.