China vows to retaliate ‘immediately’ to US tariffs

Buildings are seen in the central business district in Beijing on June 14, 2018.
Chinese economic growth showed signs of flagging in data released on June 14 as Beijing faces trade tensions with the United States as well as debt and pollution battles at home. / AFP PHOTO 

BEIJING, China (AFP) — China vowed Friday to “immediately” retaliate to US tariffs as Washington moved closer to imposing duties that could trigger a trade war.

“If the US side adopts unilateral protectionist measures and damages China’s interests, we will immediately react and take necessary measures to firmly safeguard our legitimate rights and interests,” said foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang during a regular news briefing.

US President Donald Trump is due to unveil later Friday a final list of Chinese imports that would face punishing tariffs, though the administration has not yet publicly said when the measures will be imposed.

© Agence France-Presse