'Stop threats and blackmail, Trump'

CHINA: 'WE'RE NOT AFRAID TO FIGHT, BUT TALK TO US'

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China told Washington yesterday to "stop threatening and blackmailing" after US President Donald Trump said it was up to Beijing to come to the negotiating table to discuss ending their trade war.

Trump has slapped new tariffs on friend and foe but has reserved his heaviest blows for China, with 145% on many Chinese imports even as Beijing has retaliated with levies on US goods of 125%.

"If the US really wants to resolve the issue through dialogue and negotiation, it should stop exerting extreme pressure, stop threatening and blackmailing, and talk to China on the basis of equality, respect and mutual benefit," foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said.