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Donald Trump’s most recent warning to impose an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “classic case” of US double standards, per the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that Beijing could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader carries out his warning, adding that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president hit back at Beijing’s move to strengthen its rules for exports of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

He also warned to withdraw from a planned meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on that day rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

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

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to eliminate high import duties on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports facing an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering China incur a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – echoed language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while supporting China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to protect national security and that of every country.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of state security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to interact with the Chinese government,” the official commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has remained unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, China revealed it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

New remarks from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a means of enhancing bargaining power prior to forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.