In a shift toward a harder stance this month, China retaliated against U.S. tariffs with levies of 125% on imports of American goods.

China opposes countries making trade deals with the US at its expense, warning of countermeasures. China faces up to 145 percent tariffs, while imposing 125 percent duties on US goods.

China has hit out at countries it accuses of appeasing the US in trade talks over President Donald Trump's tariffs. A Chinese commerce ministry spokesperson made the comments in response to reports that Washington plans to put pressure on governments to restrict trade with Beijing in exchange for exemptions to US import taxes.