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Donald Trump’s most recent warning to enforce an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “classic case” of US double standards, according to the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that the nation could enact its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his threat, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at China’s decision to reinforce its policies for exports of critical elements, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he warned to withdraw from a scheduled summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

His comments reignited apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

This left, United States levies on Chinese goods facing an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the country face a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – mirrored terminology from the height of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while defending China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect national security and that of all nations.

Their representative remarked that for “an extended period”, the America had “overstretched the concept of state security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with China,” the official stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has consistently been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, Beijing declared it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources essential to high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by some as a strategy of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.