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

A representative of the ministry further commented that the nation could enact its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on that day unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

The president’s words reignited apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two countries.

This left, United States levies on Chinese goods incurring an added thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – published by the relevant government department in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – mirrored language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was strengthening export controls on key elements and additional substances vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the state refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

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

It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a summit in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.