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

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that China could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to tighten its regulations for overseas sales of critical elements, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a arranged meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on that day rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

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

This past spring, the both nations had reached an agreement to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

As a result, US tariffs on products from China incurring an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while American products entering China are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored rhetoric from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the proper method to interact with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

“China’s position on a tariff war has consistently been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, Beijing declared it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the state handles about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.