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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 called a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the US President follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade war.

On Friday, the former president retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of critical elements, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a planned meeting with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in South Korea later this month.

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

The president’s words reignited fears of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had reached an agreement to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese goods incurring an added import tax compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

The spokesperson stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

“China’s position on a tariff war has consistently been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, China revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the state handles about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

The recent comments from both governments are being viewed by observers as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.