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Trump’s most recent warning to introduce an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “classic case” of US double standards, according to the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader carries out his warning, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

This past Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

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

Trump’s comments on Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping 2.7%, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

The president’s words revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

This left, American import duties on products from China subject to an added import tax compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market face a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of official answers to press queries – echoed language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has consistently been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing revealed it was strengthening export controls on key elements and further resources vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the state refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being seen by some as a means of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between Donald Trump and President Xi, expected at a high-level meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks, will still proceed.