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Donald Trump’s most recent warning to enforce an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been called a “typical example” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant executes his threat, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade war.

This past Friday, the former president retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, accusing Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Furthermore, he vowed to cancel a arranged talks with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

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

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports incurring an added import tax compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Commerce Ministry in the form of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on electronic components while defending Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to safeguard national security and that of every country.

Their representative stated that for “an extended period”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to interact with Beijing,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has always been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, China announced it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials critical for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by observers as a means of enhancing bargaining power ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a conference in South Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.