China on Friday expressed strong opposition to new US tariffs and vowed to take necessary countermeasures if the US puts new tariffs measures into effect.

(File Photo: VCG)

China made the statement after US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced that the US would impose an additional 10 percent tariff on Chinese goods worth of $300 billion starting September 1.

China’s Foreign Ministry (MFA) and Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) both slammed the US side’s new tariff measures.

MFA spokesperson Hua Chunying said that the US move seriously violates the consensus reached by the heads of state of the two countries in Osaka and is not conducive to solving problems.

“China deplores and firmly opposes that,” said Hua.

The two heads of state met in Osaka, Japan on June 29, agreeing to restart consultations on the basis of equality and mutual respect.

“If the US measures to impose tariffs are implemented, China will have to take necessary countermeasures to resolutely defend the core interests of the country and the fundamental interests of the people. All the consequences will be borne by the US,” said Hua.

“China will not accept any maximum pressure and intimidation and blackmail. We will not make any concession in major matters of principle,” Hua added.

The MOFCOM spokesperson stressed that the US side’s escalation of trade frictions by adding new tariffs does not serve the interests of the two peoples and the people of the world, and will have a declining impact on the world economy.

“China consistently believes that there is no winner in a trade war. China does not want a trade war, but we are not afraid of fighting one,” said MOFCOM spokesperson.

“We hope that the US will correct its mistakes in a timely manner and return to the right track by solving problems on the basis of equality and mutual respect,” MOFCOM spokesperson added.