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Donald Trump’s latest warning to introduce an extra 100% tariff on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, according to the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that China could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to tighten its rules for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Additionally, he threatened to cancel a planned summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on that day shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

His comments reignited apprehensions of a trade conflict between the US and China.

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on products from China incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to media inquiries – reflected terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure national security and that of all nations.

Their representative remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “overstretched the concept of state security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to deal with China,” the official commented.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has always been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government revealed it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the nation processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

New remarks from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a means of enhancing bargaining power prior to upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.