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The former US president’s latest warning to introduce an further full import duty on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade war.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also vowed to pull out of a arranged summit with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was set for a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

These statements revived fears of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the form of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to engage with China,” their representative stated.

“China’s position on a tariff war has consistently been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, China declared it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earths and additional substances vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country handles about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.