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Donald Trump’s most recent warning to enforce an extra 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Furthermore, he threatened to cancel a arranged talks with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

These statements revived fears of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

This past spring, the both nations had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

As a result, US tariffs on products from China incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the country are subject to a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official said that for “a long time”, the America had “overstretched the concept of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against China.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the right way to engage with China,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a tariff war has remained consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and additional substances critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by observers as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and President Xi, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month, will still proceed.