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Trump’s latest ultimatum to enforce an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of US double standards, according to the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could enact 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 trade war.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he vowed to pull out of a planned meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was set for a conference in South Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments revived apprehensions of a trade war between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two countries.

This left, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an additional 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China incur a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to press queries – reflected language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “routine measures” to safeguard national security and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with China,” their representative stated.

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

Recently, Beijing declared it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being interpreted by analysts as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in South Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.