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Trump’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an extra 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could enact its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his threat, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a scheduled summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index closing down nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

His comments renewed fears of a trade war between the United States and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had agreed to remove high import duties on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports facing an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the country are subject to a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while supporting China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure national security and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “many years”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to interact with Beijing,” the official said.

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

Recently, China announced it was strengthening export controls on key elements and further resources essential to high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state handles about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being viewed by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power ahead of upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month, will go ahead.