China firmly deplores and opposes the U.S. decision to impose "reciprocal tariffs" on its trading partners and will take necessary countermeasures to defend its legitimate rights and interests, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

The comments came after the United States announced on Wednesday that it would impose "reciprocal tariffs" on its trading partners, including 34 percent on China.

China has repeatedly emphasized that there is no winner in trade and tariff wars and that protectionism has no way out, spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a regular press conference.

Under the guise of "reciprocity," the U.S. has imposed tariffs on products exported to the U.S. by many countries, including China, which is a serious violation of WTO rules and seriously undermines the rules-based multilateral trading system, Guo pointed out.

He urged the U.S. to rectify its erroneous practices and to resolve its trade differences through consultations with countries around the world, including China, in an equal, respectful and mutually beneficial manner.