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Donald Trump’s newest warning to introduce an further 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, per the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that Beijing could implement its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade war.

On Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul later this month.

His statements on last Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

The president’s words revived apprehensions of a trade conflict between the US and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on products from China incurring an added import tax compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the Chinese market are subject to a ten percent duty.

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

They criticised American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while supporting China’s own export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “a long time”, the US had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused export control measures and “enforced” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to deal with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson commented.

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

The previous week, the Chinese government declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation handles about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by analysts as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea later this month, will go ahead.