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

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that Beijing could implement its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade war.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also threatened to cancel a planned meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments reignited concerns of a trade conflict between the US and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had agreed to remove high import duties on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on Chinese goods incurring an extra import tax compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering China incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of written responses to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “many years”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, abused export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to interact with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has consistently been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government declared it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and further resources essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the state processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a means of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.