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Donald Trump’s most recent warning to introduce an extra 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, charging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also threatened to pull out of a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was set for a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since April.

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

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese goods incurring an additional import tax compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the country are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to press queries – echoed rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure national security and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with China,” the spokesperson said.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has remained unchanging: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, Beijing revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a key move, as the country handles about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are used in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

New remarks from the US and China are being seen by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.