BEIJING: Any trade war with the United States will only bring disaster to the world economy, Chinese Commerce Minister Zhong Shan said on Sunday, as Beijing stepped up its criticism on proposed metals tariffs by Washington amid fears it could shatter global growth. Zhong, speaking on the sidelines of China’s annual session of parliament, said China does not want a trade war and will not initiate one. “There are no winners in a trade war,” Zhong said. “It will only bring disaster to China and the United States and the world.”China can handle any challenges and will resolutely protect its interests, but the two countries will continue to talk, he said. Trade tensions between China and United States have risen since Trump took office.

Source: New Strait Times March 11, 2018 03:56 UTC