China's foreign ministry has slammed the US decision and says it hopes the United States can take China's position seriously.

HUA CHUNYING, SPOKESPERSON CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY "The US has ignored China's efforts in protecting intellectual property. The US decision to impose tariffs on China goes against the WTO rules and concerns from the business community. China strongly opposes the unilateral action that is trade protectionism. It is not beneficial to the US, China, and the rest of the world. China will not sit idly as our interests are hurt. We are prepared to defend our rights and interests. As for the 301 Investigation, China has repeatedly said that we do not want a trade war, but we are not afraid of it. We are confident in taking any challenges. We urge the US to make a rational decision."