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The former US president’s newest threat to introduce an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been called a “typical example” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President executes his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a potential commercial battle.

On Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its policies for overseas sales of critical elements, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also warned to pull out of a arranged meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul later this month.

His statements on that day rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

These statements revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

This left, United States levies on products from China facing an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while American products entering China incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the form of official answers to media inquiries – echoed terminology from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” the official stated.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, China declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are used in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, expected at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.