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The former US president’s most recent warning to impose an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “classic case” of US double standards, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the American leader executes his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to reinforce its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

He also threatened to cancel a scheduled talks with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

These statements renewed fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had consented to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports facing an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while American products entering China incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to media inquiries – echoed terminology from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “routine measures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “a long time”, the America had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to engage with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has remained steady: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, China revealed it was reinforcing export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the state processes about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being seen by observers as a means of strengthening positions ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.