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Donald Trump’s most recent threat to introduce an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could implement its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his pledge, adding that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to strengthen its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

He also warned to withdraw from a planned talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on last Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

These statements renewed fears of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

In May, the respective governments had agreed to remove high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on Chinese goods incurring an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China are subject to a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of formal replies to media inquiries – echoed language from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending the country’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of state security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

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

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has remained unchanging: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, China revealed it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the state handles about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being seen by some as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.