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Trump’s most recent threat to enforce an extra 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President carries out his pledge, adding that the country was “fearless” of a potential commercial battle.

This past Friday, Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to reinforce its rules for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he threatened to withdraw from a scheduled summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

The president’s words reignited concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the country are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the US had “overstretched the concept of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” biased policies against Beijing.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the proper method to interact with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

“China’s position on a tariff war has consistently been consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, China announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by analysts as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a summit in South Korea later this month, will go ahead.