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Trump’s newest ultimatum to introduce an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that China could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at Beijing’s move to reinforce its rules for exports of rare earths, alleging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Furthermore, he threatened to cancel a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea later this month.

His statements on that day rattled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments revived apprehensions of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the country face a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – reflected rhetoric from the height of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised American limits on exports on electronic components while justifying the country’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused export control measures and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the proper method to interact with Beijing,” the spokesperson said.

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

Last week, Beijing declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances essential to high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country handles about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a high-level meeting in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.