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Donald Trump’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “classic case” of US double standards, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its policies for exports of rare earths, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to cancel a planned talks with China’s President President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments revived apprehensions of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, US tariffs on products from China incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the Chinese market face a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of formal replies to press queries – echoed rhetoric from the height of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while defending the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

The official stated that for “many years”, the US had “overstretched the concept of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” their representative stated.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by observers as a means of strengthening positions prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will still proceed.