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Donald Trump’s newest warning to impose an further full import duty on products from China has been described as a “classic case” of US double standards, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the US President follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade war.

On Friday, the former president hit back at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of rare earths, accusing China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also warned to cancel a planned meeting with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements renewed apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China incur a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of formal replies to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while defending China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “a long time”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to interact with Beijing,” the spokesperson commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has consistently been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, Beijing announced it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power ahead of future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.