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The former US president’s newest warning to impose an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been called a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that China could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for exports of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he vowed to withdraw from a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

The president’s words reignited fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to drop high import duties on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two nations.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the Chinese market incur a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the form of formal replies to press queries – echoed terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while supporting the country’s own export controls on key elements as “routine measures” to protect national security and that of the global community.

The official said that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Using” tariff threats is not the right way to engage with China,” the official stated.

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

Last week, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing export controls on rare earths and other materials critical for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a method of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, planned at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.