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The former US president’s latest threat to introduce an extra 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, according to the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, charging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a arranged meeting with China’s President President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

These statements revived fears of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

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

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of formal replies to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to interact with China,” the official said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has always been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are used in products such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from both governments are being viewed by some as a means of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and President Xi, planned at a high-level meeting in South Korea later this month, will go ahead.