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Trump’s most recent threat to introduce an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the American leader executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade conflict.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, charging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

He also vowed to withdraw from a arranged summit with China’s President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on Friday rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

The president’s words revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to drop high import duties on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering China face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the form of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed terminology from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to protect state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the proper method to interact with Beijing,” the official stated.

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

Recently, China announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the country processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by observers as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Donald Trump and President Xi, expected at a summit in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.