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Donald Trump’s most recent warning to enforce an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the US President follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for exports of critical elements, charging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Furthermore, he vowed to cancel a scheduled talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on that day shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by 2.7%, marking its largest decline since April.

His comments renewed apprehensions of a trade war between the US and China.

This past spring, the both nations had reached an agreement to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an extra import tax compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of official answers to press queries – echoed terminology from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official remarked that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of national security, misused export control measures and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to deal with the Chinese government,” their representative stated.

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

The previous week, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and further resources essential to high-technology production.

This was seen as a important measure, as the country refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.