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The former US president’s newest warning to enforce an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, according to the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry further commented that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to withdraw from a arranged summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was set for a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on last Friday shook financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

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

This past spring, the both nations had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

This left, US tariffs on products from China facing an additional import tax compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering China face a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of written responses to media inquiries – echoed language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of the global community.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, abused export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” tariff threats is not the right way to engage with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has remained steady: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, China declared it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state processes about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by observers as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will take place as planned.