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Donald Trump’s most recent warning to introduce an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that China could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the US President follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at China’s decision to tighten its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to withdraw from a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

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

In May, the both nations had agreed to remove significant levies on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an extra import tax compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the country incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while defending the country’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on key elements and other materials essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the state refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

New remarks from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a method of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Donald Trump and President Xi, planned at a summit in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.