The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Tuesday dismissed reports that China has supplied weapons to Iran as "completely fabricated" and warned that any attempt by the United States to use such claims as a pretext for imposing tariffs would trigger a firm Chinese response.

Spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that China consistently adopts a prudent and responsible approach to arms exports, strictly regulating them in accordance with domestic laws and international obligations.

Guo's remarks come after US President Donald Trump warned that Washington would levy a 50% tariff on Chinese goods if China were found to be supplying weapons to Iran.

"These reports are entirely fabricated," said Guo. "If the US insists on using this as an excuse to impose tariffs on China, we will respond resolutely."