(Photo: VCG)

China's commerce ministry Thursday said the U.S.' decision to delay some tariffs on China proves there's no winner in a trade war and that U.S. merchants and consumers will suffer a great loss if the lingering trade friction continues to escalate between the world's two largest economies.

Ministry spokesman Gao Feng made the remark at Thursday's media briefing. He also called for Washington to stop unilaterally escalating the situation, warning that Beijing would resolutely take countermeasures to safeguard the country and people's interest.

"We hope the U.S. could show sincerity and actions and meet China halfway to jointly find a way out based on equality and mutual respect," Gao said.

On August 13, the Trump administration delayed some pending tariffs on China after Trump announced an additional 10 percent tariff on 300 billion USD worth of Chinese imports earlier this month.