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Trump’s newest ultimatum to introduce an further full import duty on Chinese goods has been called a “typical example” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could implement its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to strengthen its rules for overseas sales of critical elements, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

These statements revived apprehensions of a trade war between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on Chinese goods subject to an extra import tax compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of the global community.

The official said that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to engage with Beijing,” the official stated.

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing announced it was tightening export controls on key elements and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, expected at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.