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Donald Trump’s latest warning to impose an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that Beijing could implement its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader carries out his threat, adding that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade conflict.

This past Friday, the former president responded at Beijing’s move to reinforce its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he threatened to withdraw from a planned talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on that day shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

The president’s words reignited apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had consented to drop high import duties on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an additional import tax compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed rhetoric from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard domestic safety and that of all nations.

The spokesperson stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the proper method to engage with the Chinese government,” their representative stated.

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

The previous week, Beijing announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the country refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

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.