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The former US president’s most recent threat to introduce an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the American leader carries out his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of rare earths, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a arranged talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

These statements reignited fears of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had consented to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the Chinese market are subject to a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the relevant government department in the format of formal replies to press queries – echoed terminology from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “routine measures” to protect national security and that of the global community.

The spokesperson remarked that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

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

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has remained consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing declared it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the state handles about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being seen by some as a method of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in South Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.