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Donald Trump’s newest ultimatum to impose an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “classic case” of US double standards, per the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its regulations for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

He also vowed to cancel a arranged meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day shook global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

The president’s words renewed apprehensions of a trade conflict between the US and China.

In May, the two sides had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports incurring an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the country are subject to a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Commerce Ministry in the form of written responses to media inquiries – echoed rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while defending China’s own export controls on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, misused export control measures and “adopted discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to engage with the Chinese government,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has remained consistent: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, China revealed it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources essential to cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by observers as a means of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.