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The former US president’s newest ultimatum to impose an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, according to the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at Beijing’s move to reinforce its policies for exports of critical elements, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to pull out of a arranged summit with China’s President President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul later this month.

Trump’s comments on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

These statements renewed apprehensions of a trade war between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had consented to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, United States levies on Chinese goods facing an added thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while American products entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to press queries – reflected language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while supporting China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to interact with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing revealed it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.