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The former US president’s latest threat to enforce an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could implement its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the American leader carries out his warning, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a planned talks with China’s President President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in South Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on that day shook global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods facing an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China face a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying the country’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to safeguard national security and that of the global community.

Their representative said that for “a long time”, the America had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, abused export control measures and “enforced” biased policies against China.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with Beijing,” the official said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has consistently been consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, Beijing announced it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and further resources critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a means of strengthening positions prior to forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a conference in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.