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

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that China could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader carries out his warning, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to tighten its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he threatened to withdraw from a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had consented to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

This left, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an additional import tax compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the country face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to press queries – reflected terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited export control measures and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to engage with Beijing,” the official commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has remained steady: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a significant step, as the country processes about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in goods such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a means of enhancing bargaining power prior to future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a conference in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.