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Donald Trump’s newest ultimatum to impose an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could implement its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, charging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to withdraw from a planned talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks.

His statements on last Friday shook global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping 2.7%, marking its largest decline since April.

The president’s words renewed fears of a trade war between the United States and China.

This past spring, the both nations had consented to drop high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an added import tax compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the country incur a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – published by the relevant government department in the format of official answers to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to ensure state interests and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “many years”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to engage with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

“China’s position on a tariff war has consistently been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are used in products such as solar panels and smartphones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.