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Donald Trump’s most recent warning to impose an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, according to the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a looming commercial battle.

This past Friday, Trump retaliated at China’s decision to reinforce its policies for foreign shipments of rare earths, accusing the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a scheduled summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in South Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

His comments reignited fears of a trade war between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of written responses to journalist’s questions – echoed terminology from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “standard procedures” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “a long time”, the US had “overstretched the concept of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to deal with China,” the official stated.

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

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a strategy of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.