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Donald Trump’s most recent threat to enforce an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been labeled a “classic case” of US double standards, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that the nation could implement its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his warning, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

On Friday, the former president responded at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for exports of critical elements, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he vowed to withdraw from a planned meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments reignited concerns of a trade conflict between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on products from China facing an extra 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected terminology from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while defending China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “a long time”, the America had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to deal with the Chinese government,” the official stated.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has consistently been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, China declared it was tightening export controls on rare earths and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in goods such as solar panels and mobile phones.

New remarks from the US and China are being seen by some as a method of enhancing bargaining power ahead of forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.