“The Chinese side is shocked by the actions of the US,” a statement on the ministry’s website declared. “In order to safeguard the core interests of the country and the fundamental interests of the people, the Chinese government will, as always, have to make the necessary counter-measures.”

Calling Washington’s behavior irrational, Beijing warned that the US is, in the first instance, hurting itself with protectionist measures and constant attacks on free trade. “At the same time, we call on the international community to work together to safeguard the rules of free trade and the multilateral trading system and jointly oppose trade hegemony,” it added.

READ MORE: US releases $200bn list of Chinese products for possible new tariffs

Earlier on Tuesday, the Trump administration unveiled a list of Chinese exports, worth some $200 billion, that it plans to slap with 10 percent tariffs.

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