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Trump’s most recent warning to impose an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been called a “classic case” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his warning, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also threatened to cancel a arranged summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on that day rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

These statements renewed fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had consented to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on Chinese goods subject to an extra import tax compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the Chinese market face a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while supporting China’s own export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to ensure national security and that of all nations.

The spokesperson stated that for “an extended period”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

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

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

The previous week, China declared it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on key elements and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Donald Trump and President Xi, expected at a conference in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.