China promises 'necessary response' to US tariffs as trade war fears grow

Foreign minister Wang Yi warns that the only outcome from Trump's protectionist measures will be 'harmful'

The prospect of a trade war between China and the United States has increased after Beijing's foreign minister said it would make a "necessary response" in the event of Donald Trump introducing punitive tariffs on steel and aluminium imports.

The US president was expected to approve the 25% levy on steel and 10% on aluminium imports this week, possibly as early as Thursday.

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China has been asked to develop a plan for the year of a One Billion Dollar reduction in their massive Trade Deficit with the United States. Our relationship with China has been a very good one, and we look forward to seeing what ideas they come back with. We must act soon!