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Donald Trump’s most recent threat to introduce an additional full import duty on products from China has been called a “classic case” of US double standards, per the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the US President follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

On Friday, the former president retaliated at Beijing’s move to strengthen its rules for overseas sales of rare earths, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to cancel a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a summit in Seoul later this month.

His statements on that day rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

The president’s words revived fears of a trade war between the United States and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had agreed to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two nations.

As a result, American import duties on products from China incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the country face a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Commerce Ministry in the format of formal replies to press queries – mirrored language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while justifying the country’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official said that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against China.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to deal with Beijing,” the official commented.

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

Last week, Beijing revealed it was tightening overseas sale regulations on key elements and additional substances vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a significant step, as the nation handles about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from the US and China are being seen by analysts as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and President Xi, planned at a summit in Seoul before month’s end, will go ahead.