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Donald Trump’s newest ultimatum to introduce an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that China could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader carries out his warning, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also vowed to pull out of a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

These statements reignited fears of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, US tariffs on products from China facing an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the country face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of formal replies to journalist’s questions – reflected rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s export controls on rare earths as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of all nations.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with the Chinese government,” the official stated.

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

Last week, the Chinese government declared it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation processes about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.