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Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum to introduce an further full import duty on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the US President follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “fearless” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to reinforce its policies for exports of critical elements, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also threatened to pull out of a scheduled talks with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

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

In May, the two sides had agreed to remove significant levies on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of official answers to press queries – echoed rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to ensure national security and that of all nations.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with Beijing,” their representative commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has remained unchanging: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing announced it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by observers as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between Donald Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will still proceed.