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The former US president’s most recent threat to introduce an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that China could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the US President carries out his pledge, adding that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, Donald Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its policies for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to pull out of a planned meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a summit in Seoul later this month.

His statements on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

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

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to eliminate high import duties on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China facing an added thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China incur a 10% tariff.

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

They criticised American limits on exports on electronic components while supporting China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to deal with China,” their representative said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, China revealed it was tightening export controls on key elements and other materials essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation handles about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by observers as a method of strengthening positions ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will go ahead.