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The former US president’s latest threat to impose an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been called a “typical example” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that China could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader carries out his warning, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a planned summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul later this month.

His statements on last Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

His comments reignited apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the country face a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – published by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused export control measures and “adopted discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to interact with China,” the official stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was tightening export controls on key elements and further resources critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by observers as a means of enhancing bargaining power ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.