China: we want dialogue, not escalation of trade war

China strongly opposes the escalation of a trade war with the US and counts on calm negotiations, Chinese Vice Premier Liu He said on Monday. US President Donald Trump raised tensions on Friday, promising to increase tariffs on Chinese exports worth $ 250 billion a year. 

Trump and China leader Xi Jinping agreed in June to resume bilateral trade talks, but the July meeting brought little progress. The next round of talks is to take place in September.

(PAP)