“This relevant US statement is a typical example of 'double standards,'” a Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson said in a statement posted online.

Trump reignited a trade war with Beijing on Friday in a dispute over new Chinese restrictions on rare earth mineral exports.

He also threatened to cancel a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping scheduled for this month. China's Commerce Ministry on Sunday accused the United States of increasing economic pressure on Beijing since September. "These actions have seriously harmed China's interests and undermined the climate for bilateral economic and trade negotiations. China firmly opposes them," the ministry said. "Constantly threatening high tariffs is not the best approach to dealing with China," it added.