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Trump’s latest threat to enforce an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “classic case” of US double standards, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the US President follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at Beijing’s move to strengthen its rules for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to withdraw from a planned summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 falling by over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since April.

These statements renewed apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

In May, the both nations had consented to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two countries.

This left, United States levies on Chinese imports facing an added thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the country are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the format of written responses to media inquiries – reflected language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official remarked that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” biased policies against Beijing.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the proper method to interact with China,” their representative said.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the nation handles about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by observers as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power ahead of future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.