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Donald Trump’s most recent threat to enforce an extra full import duty on products from China has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that China could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its policies for overseas sales of critical elements, charging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Furthermore, he vowed to pull out of a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in South Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements revived fears of a trade war between the US and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

This left, United States levies on products from China subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the country are subject to a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Commerce Ministry in the form of formal replies to press queries – echoed language from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure national security and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “many years”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited export control measures and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the correct approach to deal with China,” the spokesperson said.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has consistently been consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China declared it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and additional substances critical for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the country processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a means of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a summit in Seoul later this month, will go ahead.