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The former US president’s latest ultimatum to introduce an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been labeled a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that China could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earths, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to cancel a arranged summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in South Korea later this month.

His statements on that day rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

The president’s words renewed apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the both nations had consented to drop significant levies on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods incurring 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 – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to safeguard domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official said that for “a long time”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of state security, exploited export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to engage with China,” the spokesperson commented.

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

Last week, China announced it was tightening export controls on key elements and other materials critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are used in products such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.