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Donald Trump’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “classic case” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could introduce its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade war.

This past Friday, the former president retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Additionally, he threatened to withdraw from a planned meeting with China’s President President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments reignited concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had agreed to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an additional import tax compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of formal replies to press queries – echoed language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while supporting China’s own export controls on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure state interests and that of all nations.

The official said that for “a long time”, the US had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted unfair treatments against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to engage with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has consistently been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, China declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country handles about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul before month’s end, will take place as planned.