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The former US president’s most recent threat to enforce an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, according to the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to strengthen its regulations for exports of critical elements, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Furthermore, he threatened to withdraw from a scheduled meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on last Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

The president’s words revived concerns of a trade war between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to remove high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while defending the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “many years”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Using” tariff threats is not the right way to deal with Beijing,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has consistently been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government declared it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and Xi Jinping, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.