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Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum to impose an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “classic case” of US double standards, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that the nation could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the US President executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade conflict.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its policies for foreign shipments of rare earths, accusing the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

He also warned to withdraw from a scheduled talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments renewed concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

This left, US tariffs on products from China subject to an added thirty percent tariff 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 relevant government department in the form of official answers to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while defending China’s own export controls on rare earths as “normal actions” to safeguard national security and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused export control measures and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the right way to interact with Beijing,” the official stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and further resources essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state handles about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea later this month, will still proceed.