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The former US president’s latest ultimatum to impose an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant executes his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for foreign shipments of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also threatened to pull out of a planned meeting with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a meeting in South Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments reignited concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China subject to an extra import tax compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the country face a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – published by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of state security, abused export control measures and “enforced” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to engage with China,” their representative said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances critical for high-technology production.

This was seen as a important measure, as the country processes about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being seen by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power ahead of forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.