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Trump’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an extra full import duty on products from China has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that the nation could implement its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader carries out his warning, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earths, charging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a arranged talks with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a conference in South Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

These statements reignited apprehensions of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports facing an extra import tax 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 relevant government department in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – echoed language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “standard procedures” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

Their representative remarked that for “an extended period”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of state security, exploited export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to deal with Beijing,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has consistently been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, Beijing announced it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and further resources critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the state refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a method of enhancing bargaining power ahead of upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.