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Donald Trump’s most recent threat to introduce an further full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that China could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, adding that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

This past Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a planned meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was set for a meeting in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on that day shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

His comments renewed fears of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

This past spring, the both nations had agreed to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an added import tax compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the form of written responses to media inquiries – reflected language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to protect state interests and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with Beijing,” the spokesperson commented.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a significant step, as the country refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in goods such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

New remarks from the US and China are being viewed by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between Trump and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in South Korea later this month, will still proceed.