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The former US president’s newest threat to impose an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of US double standards, according to the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could introduce its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his threat, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a scheduled talks with China’s President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on last Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

The president’s words renewed fears of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

This past spring, the both nations had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese goods incurring an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the Chinese market face a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to journalist’s questions – mirrored terminology from the height of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “routine measures” to ensure national security and that of every country.

The official said that for “a long time”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” biased policies against China.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the right way to deal with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has remained steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing announced it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and other materials critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a significant step, as the country refines about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.