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Donald Trump’s newest threat to introduce an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry also stated that China could implement its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to reinforce its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a arranged summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in South Korea later this month.

His statements on that day shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index dropping 2.7%, marking its largest decline since April.

His comments reignited fears of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove high import duties on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese goods incurring an added 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of written responses to press queries – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

Their representative remarked that for “a long time”, the America had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the right way to interact with China,” the spokesperson said.

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

The previous week, the Chinese government announced it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and other materials critical for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the state handles about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by analysts as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power prior to forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Donald Trump and President Xi, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.