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Donald Trump’s most recent threat to enforce an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “classic case” of US double standards, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for exports of rare earths, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday shook financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

The president’s words renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the country are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of formal replies to journalist’s questions – mirrored language from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of all nations.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with the Chinese government,” their representative stated.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, China declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a key move, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.