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The former US president’s newest ultimatum to enforce an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, according to the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, charging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a planned summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 closing down nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

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

This past spring, the both nations had consented to drop high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the economic powers.

This left, United States levies on products from China facing an additional 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering China face a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised American limits on exports on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earths as “routine measures” to protect national security and that of all nations.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” biased policies against Beijing.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with China,” the spokesperson stated.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has consistently been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing revealed it was tightening export controls on key elements and further resources essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a significant step, as the country handles about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between the former president and President Xi, planned at a summit in Seoul before month’s end, will still proceed.