BEIJING – China vowed on Jan 22 to defend its “national interests” against tariff threats from US President Donald Trump, who warned he could impose a 10 per cent duty on imports from the country by the end of next week.

China on Wednesday responded to US President Donald Trump's tariff threats and Beijing was ready to "national interests" in the trade war. Mr Trump has warned he could impose a 10 per cent duty on imports from China by the end of next week.

The US president said he was going to target the European Union and China with increased tariffs on Tuesday. China and Europe said they were ready to negotiate with Trump, warning they would 'protect' their interests.

On the campaign trail, Mr Trump promised a 10 per cent to 20 per cent charge on all imported goods and 60 per cent on Chinese products. He also vowed a 25 per cent tariff on all products from Canada and Mexico, and an additional 10 per cent duty on Chinese goods.

Trump underscored his intention to use tariffs as a tool of international economic policy and an increasingly vital source of government revenue.

President Donald Trump widened his tariff threats to include China and the European Union on his second day back in office after day one saw Canada and Mexico in his sights.

The Trump administration is discussing a 10% punitive duty on Chinese imports. Trump said the EU also has troubling trade surpluses with the United States.