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Trump’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been labeled a “classic case” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could implement its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader carries out his warning, adding that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of rare earths, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a arranged summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments reignited apprehensions of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

In May, the respective governments had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an added import tax compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the country face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of official answers to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while defending China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to interact with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson commented.

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

The previous week, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country refines about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

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

Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and Xi Jinping, planned at a summit in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.