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Trump’s most recent warning to introduce an further 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that China could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump responded at Beijing’s move to strengthen its policies for foreign shipments of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he vowed to pull out of a scheduled summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

These statements renewed apprehensions of a trade conflict between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports incurring an extra 30% levy 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 Commerce Ministry in the manner of official answers to press queries – reflected terminology from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the correct approach to deal with the Chinese government,” the official said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has always been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

Latest statements from the US and China are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will still proceed.