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Trump’s newest threat to enforce an further full import duty on Chinese goods has been called a “typical example” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade war.

On Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for exports of critical elements, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

He also warned to withdraw from a scheduled talks with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul later this month.

His statements on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments renewed apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

In May, the respective governments had agreed to remove high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, US tariffs on products from China subject to an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China face a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Commerce Ministry in the form of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against Beijing.

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

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China announced it was reinforcing export controls on key elements and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

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

New remarks from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a means of enhancing bargaining power prior to upcoming negotiations.

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