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Trump’s newest ultimatum to enforce an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been labeled a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that the nation could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to reinforce its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also vowed to withdraw from a scheduled meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments revived fears of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese goods facing an added thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the Chinese market face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to press queries – echoed language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “a long time”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, abused export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” the official said.

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

Recently, China announced it was tightening export controls on rare earths and other materials essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the nation handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are used in goods such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will go ahead.