Farmer John Duffy (L) and Roger Murphy load soybeans from a grain bin onto a truck before taking them to a grain elevator on June 13, 2018 in Dwight, Illinois. (Photo: VCG)

BEIJING -- China levied countermeasure tariffs on select US imports at 12:01 pm Beijing time Friday in response to the new US tariffs, according to the General Administration of Customs.

This came after the United States imposed additional tariffs of 25 percent on Chinese goods worth $34 billion on Friday, with which Chinese Commerce Ministry said the United States has ignited the largest trade war in economic history.

The Chinese side, having vowed not to fire the first shot, was forced to stage counter-attacks to protect the core national interests and interests of its people.

In response to the US decision to impose additional tariffs on Chinese imports, the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council decided in mid-June that 25-percent additional tariffs for U.S. products worth about $34 billion, including agricultural products, vehicles and aquatic products, will go into effect from July 6.