China is hitting back at American imports after the US announced tariffs on Chinese goods. Beijing says the country has the right to defend its interests.

LU KANG, SPOKESPERSON CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY "Let me point out the difference between trade and trade war. Trade is based on negotiations while trade war is a different story. If we are dragged into a trade war, we have the right to decide when and how to retaliate, as well as in what areas we should retaliate with. We mentioned multiple times that China does not want a trade war, but we also made it clear that we have the confidence and resolve to defend our interests. We hope that US policy makers can listen to concerns from US customers and the business community and notice the harm caused by its unilateral action."