No option but to retaliate against new US tariffs: China

US President Donald Trump’s latest escalation of tariffs on Chinese imports has brought 'new uncertainty' to talks between the two countries.

The statement issued by Chinese commerce ministry also said the country has no choice but to retaliate against new US trade tariffs.

The statement was issued on Tuesday following Trump's announcement to impose 10 per cent tariffs on about $200 billion worth of imports from China.

Trump also threatened duties on about $267 billion more if China retaliated against the US action.

The brief statement gave no details on China’s plans. Later, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang held a news briefing, reports Reuters.

“China has always emphasised that the only correct way to resolve the China-US trade issue is via talks and consultations held on an equal, sincere and mutually respectful basis," the spokesman said.

But at this time, every step of the United States does not give the impression of sincerity or goodwill, he added.

Meanwhile, the European Union’s trade chief on Tuesday said new US tariffs on Chinese imports represent an unfortunate escalation of global trade tensions.

She also termed this step as the wrong method to force Beijing to reform.

“Trade wars are not good and they are not easy to win, and this escalation is of course very unfortunate,” European Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom told a news conference.

“We agree with some of the criticism that the US has voiced vis-a-vis China on some of their policies, and we are trying to address some of it via the WTO," she said.

"But we disagree with the methods that the US is using to try to get China to adopt using tariffs,” the EU trade chief added.