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Trump’s newest ultimatum to impose an further full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “classic case” of US double standards, per the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader carries out his warning, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, accusing Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Furthermore, he vowed to cancel a arranged summit with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

The president’s words reignited fears of a trade war between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had consented to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, US tariffs on products from China incurring an additional import tax 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 – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of written responses to press queries – reflected terminology from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited export control measures and “enforced” biased policies against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with China,” their representative said.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has consistently been consistent: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government revealed it was strengthening export controls on key elements and other materials vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state processes about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

New remarks from the US and China are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.