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Donald Trump’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been called a “classic case” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that China could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Furthermore, he vowed to pull out of a arranged meeting with Chinese leader President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on that day shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments reignited apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

In May, the respective governments had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

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

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to press queries – echoed language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “an extended period”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to engage with Beijing,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, China announced it was reinforcing export controls on key elements and additional substances essential to high-technology production.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.