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Donald Trump’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an extra 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” 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 hit back at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also warned to cancel a arranged talks with China’s President President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul later this month.

His statements on last Friday unsettled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

These statements reignited concerns of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to drop high import duties on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods facing an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the country are subject to a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – released by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of all nations.

The official said that for “many years”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against China.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to interact with Beijing,” their representative said.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has remained steady: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China announced it was reinforcing export controls on key elements and further resources critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the state processes about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by observers as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, planned at a high-level meeting in Seoul before month’s end, will go ahead.