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Trump’s most recent warning to introduce an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of US double standards, per the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that China could implement its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

He also vowed to withdraw from a planned summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul later this month.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

These statements revived concerns of a trade conflict between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports incurring an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while defending China’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to protect state interests and that of all nations.

Their representative said that for “a long time”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with the Chinese government,” the official commented.

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

Last week, the Chinese government declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a high-level meeting in South Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.