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Donald Trump’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of US double standards, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader executes his threat, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to tighten its rules for foreign shipments of critical elements, accusing the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also vowed to cancel a arranged summit with China’s President Xi, which was set for a summit in Seoul later this month.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

These statements reignited fears of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the two sides had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the country face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the format of formal replies to press queries – echoed language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to interact with China,” the official stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has consistently been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing revealed it was tightening overseas sale regulations on key elements and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the country handles about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a summit in South Korea later this month, will go ahead.