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The former US president’s latest ultimatum to introduce an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

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 “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to withdraw from a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on last Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

His comments revived fears of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two countries.

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

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of national security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to deal with China,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government announced it was tightening export controls on key elements and further resources critical for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the state refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being seen by some as a method of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.