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Trump’s most recent warning to enforce an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could implement its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to strengthen its policies for exports of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

He also vowed to pull out of a planned meeting with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

These statements revived fears of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

In May, the two sides had agreed to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while American products entering China are subject to a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to press queries – mirrored terminology from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect national security and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to interact with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has remained steady: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state handles about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.