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Trump’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been labeled a “typical example” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President follows through on his warning, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to withdraw from a planned talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in South Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

The president’s words revived fears of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two nations.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports facing an added thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the country face a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – published by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the right way to engage with Beijing,” the spokesperson stated.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has remained steady: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for high-technology production.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state refines about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are used in products such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by some as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and President Xi, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.