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Trump’s most recent ultimatum to impose an extra 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been labeled a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader carries out his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, the former president responded at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, charging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

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

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to remove high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to press queries – echoed rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

Their representative said that for “a long time”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.

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

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, Beijing declared it was tightening export controls on rare earths and other materials essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the nation handles about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by observers as a means of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.