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Trump’s latest warning to introduce an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been called a “classic case” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that China could enact its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his warning, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

He also warned to cancel a planned meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on that day shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

These statements renewed fears of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

In May, the respective governments had consented to eliminate high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China facing an added thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the country face a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of written responses to press queries – reflected language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while defending the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, exploited export control measures and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to engage with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

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

Last week, the Chinese government declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a important measure, as the country handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by observers as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in Seoul before month’s end, will still proceed.