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The former US president’s latest warning to introduce an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, according to the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that China could implement its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the American leader executes his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade war.

On Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for foreign shipments of critical elements, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

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

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while American products entering China face a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Commerce Ministry in the format of written responses to media inquiries – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while defending the country’s own export controls on key elements as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against China.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with Beijing,” their representative stated.

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

The previous week, China revealed it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and other materials vital for high-technology production.

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

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and President Xi, planned at a high-level meeting in Seoul before month’s end, will still proceed.