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Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum to introduce an additional full import duty on products from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that China could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

On Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, charging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also vowed to withdraw from a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was set for a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

The president’s words revived apprehensions of a trade conflict between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had consented to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

As a result, 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 China face a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – echoed terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with China,” their representative said.

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

The previous week, the Chinese government announced it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the country refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by some as a strategy of strengthening positions ahead of upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a summit in South Korea later this month, will go ahead.