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Donald Trump’s latest warning to introduce an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that China could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the US President carries out his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its rules for exports of rare earths, charging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also warned to pull out of a arranged summit with China’s President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day shook global markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

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

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to drop significant levies on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an extra import tax compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of formal replies to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while supporting China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of all nations.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, exploited export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with China,” the spokesperson commented.

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

The previous week, China declared it was strengthening export controls on key elements and additional substances critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a significant step, as the nation handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are used in goods such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.