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Donald Trump’s latest threat to introduce an extra full import duty on products from China has been called a “classic case” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant executes his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he threatened to cancel a arranged summit with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments revived apprehensions of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China subject to an added import tax compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China incur a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of written responses to press queries – mirrored language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting China’s own export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with China,” the spokesperson stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has consistently been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, China declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks, will still proceed.