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Trump’s latest ultimatum to introduce an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of US double standards, according to the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for foreign shipments of critical elements, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also vowed to pull out of a scheduled talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments renewed fears of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while American products entering China face a import levy.

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

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the US had “overstretched the concept of national security, misused export control measures and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with China,” the official said.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has always been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government declared it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and further resources critical for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a method of enhancing bargaining power ahead of future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.