China says 'not afraid to fight' trade war with US

China warned on Wednesday it was "not afraid" to fight a trade war with the United States and reiterated calls for dialogue, after US President Donald Trump said it was up to Beijing to come to the negotiating table.

- Agence France-Presse

BEIJING/KUALA LUMPUR: China warned on Wednesday it was "not afraid" to fight a trade war with the United States and reiterated calls for dialogue, after US President Donald Trump said it was up to Beijing to come to the negotiating table.

"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 spokesman Lin Jian said.

Trump initially imposed tariffs on imports from China over its alleged role in the fentanyl supply chain and recently stepped up those levies sharply over trade practices that Washington deems unfair.

This year, Trump has imposed an additional 145% tariff on many goods from China, stacking atop duties from previous administrations.

This involved 20% over fentanyl and other illicit drugs, as well as 125% over trade practices.

Trump's administration has, however, given temporary reprieve for certain tech products—like smartphones and laptops—the latest levy.

And on Tuesday, the US President said "the ball is in China's court. China needs to make a deal with us," according to a statement read out by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt at a briefing.