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Donald Trump’s most recent warning to introduce an further full import duty on products from China has been called 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 American leader executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at China’s decision to reinforce its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

He also warned to pull out of a arranged summit with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

His comments renewed 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 two countries.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese imports incurring an added 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the format of formal replies to press queries – mirrored terminology from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the US had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, abused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

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

Recently, China announced it was reinforcing export controls on key elements and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the country processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being viewed by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.