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The former US president’s newest ultimatum to impose an further 100% tariff on products from China has been called a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the US President follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “fearless” of a looming commercial battle.

On Friday, the former president responded at Beijing’s move to reinforce its rules for exports of rare earths, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to withdraw from a arranged meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a meeting in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 falling by over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

These statements revived concerns of a trade war between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two nations.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the form of formal replies to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on electronic components while defending Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of all nations.

The spokesperson stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to engage with China,” their representative said.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, China announced it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and other materials essential to high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country handles about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a strategy of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a summit in South Korea later this month, will go ahead.