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Donald Trump’s newest warning to introduce an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could implement its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant executes his warning, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earths, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Furthermore, he vowed to cancel a planned meeting with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on last Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

His comments revived fears of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the country face a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the right way to engage with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has consistently been consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, Beijing revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being viewed by observers as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.