China says to hit back if U.S. imposes new duties

China said on Friday it will respond if the U.S. introduces new customs duties on Chinese goods. "China does not want a trade war, but is not afraid of it," said Hua Chunying, the spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

The U.S. President Donald Trump said to place an additional 10 percent duty on imported goods from China worth USD 300 billion a year as of September 1. Chunying expressed dissatisfaction and firm opposition to Trump's decision. "We will not accept any maximum pressure, intimidation or extortion," she said.

Last week, representatives of the U.S. and China met in Shanghai for trade negotiations. This was the first meeting since May when talks broke down and Washington accused Beijing of attempting to withdraw from the agreed commitments. The next round of talks is planned for September.

(PAP)