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Trump’s most recent threat to enforce an further full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his warning, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a possible commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for overseas sales of critical elements, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul later this month.

The former president’s remarks on Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove high import duties on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, US tariffs on products from China facing an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China are subject to a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Commerce Ministry in the form of formal replies to press queries – echoed language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earths and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a high-level meeting in South Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.