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Donald Trump’s most recent threat to impose an further 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his threat, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to cancel a scheduled talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since April.

The president’s words revived apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the country face a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – published by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to media inquiries – echoed rhetoric from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while defending the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of all nations.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, exploited export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources critical for high-technology production.

This was seen as a key move, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by some as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and Xi Jinping, planned at a high-level meeting in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.