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Donald Trump’s most recent ultimatum to impose an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade war.

On Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for exports of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Furthermore, he threatened to withdraw from a arranged talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in South Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

The president’s words reignited concerns of a trade conflict between the US and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on Chinese goods incurring an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China face a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard national security and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “many years”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to engage with Beijing,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has remained steady: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and further resources essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the state handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being viewed by some as a method of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.