TIANJIN (Sept 18): China said on Tuesday it has no choice but to retaliate against new US trade tariffs, risking even stronger action from President Donald Trump in an escalation of the trade war between the world's largest economies.

Beijing's statement came hours after Trump imposed 10% tariffs on about US$200 billion ($274 billion) worth of imports from China, and threatened duties on about US$267 billion more if China hit back on the latest US action.

"To protect its legitimate rights and interests and order in international free trade, China is left with no choice but to retaliate simultaneously," the commerce ministry said in a brief statement, without specifying what action it would take.

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