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Trump’s newest warning to impose an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, according to the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that China could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

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

Furthermore, he vowed to withdraw from a planned meeting with Chinese leader President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since April.

The president’s words reignited concerns of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the country face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised American limits on exports on electronic components while defending the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “many years”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to engage with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been steady: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, China revealed it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a summit in Seoul before month’s end, will take place as planned.