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Trump’s newest threat to enforce an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade war.

Last Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its policies for overseas sales of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

He also threatened to cancel a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

His statements on Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

His comments reignited apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on products from China subject to an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to press queries – reflected language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of all nations.

Their representative stated that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

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

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

The previous week, Beijing declared it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on key elements and other materials critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the nation refines about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

New remarks from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in South Korea later this month, will still proceed.