China promises ’justified and necessary response’ to Trump tariffs

China vowed to make a “justified and necessary response” to tariffs President Trump is expected to impose this week on steel and aluminum imports. 

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned that the effects of the expected U.S. tariffs “will only be harmful” and that igniting a trade war would be a mistake, according to Reuters.

“Especially given today’s globalization, choosing a trade war is a mistaken prescription. The outcome will only be harmful,” he said. “China would have to make a justified and necessary response.”

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Trump announced last week that he would soon impose tariffs of 25 percent on steel imports and 10 percent on aluminum imports. 

Trump is acting on recommendations put forth earlier this year in a Commerce Department report that declared steel and aluminum imports from China and other countries to be national security threats.

The anticipated tariffs have drawn criticism from foreign governments, including in Europe and Canada, which have vowed retaliatory measures if the duties are implemented. 

The expected tariffs and foreign threats of retaliation have raised fears of a trade war. 

Chinese steel accounts for only a small part of U.S. steel imports, but China’s massive production of the metal has driven down prices globally.