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Trump’s latest threat to enforce an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry further commented that the nation could implement its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the US President executes his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump hit back at China’s decision to tighten its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

He also warned to pull out of a arranged meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a summit in Seoul later this month.

His statements on that day rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

His comments renewed apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove high import duties on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese goods facing an added thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a import levy.

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

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to ensure national security and that of all nations.

The spokesperson remarked that for “a long time”, the America had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, misused export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has always been steady: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was tightening export controls on key elements and additional substances vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

Latest statements from the US and China are being seen by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in South Korea later this month, will still proceed.