Latest US tariff threat slammed

China stands on the right side of history in defending multilateralism, Hua added.

Their remarks came after the Office of the US Trade Representative announced on Tuesday a $200 billion list of Chinese goods for possible 10 percent tariffs.

The items ranged from electronic components to cat food. The US claimed the tariffs were in response to Beijing's "failure" to change its policies and in retaliation for last week's US tariff hike by increasing duties on US goods.

The spiraling conflict has prompted warnings it might chill global economic growth.

Li Chenggang, assistant commerce minister, said additional tariffs will put tremendous pressure on global companies and consumers.

He said China will not change its long-term commitment to improving the domestic business environment, opposing unilateral measures and supporting the multilateral trading system.

The latest list of $200 billion in products to be subject to tariffs against China doubles down on a reckless strategy that will boomerang and harm US families and workers, according to David French, senior vice-president for government relations of the National Retail Federation in the US.

"Tariffs on such a broad scope of products make it inconceivable that American consumers will dodge this tax increase as prices of everyday products will be forced to rise," French said in a statement.

The US is seeking public opinion regarding the latest proposed modification of tariffs on Chinese goods. The public comment period ends on Aug 30.

Uncertainties may still exist about whether the whole list will finally take effect and what kinds of goods will be targeted, said Ma Jun, a member of the People's Bank of China's monetary policy committee.

China is busy studying the impact of an escalating trade war on affected companies and industries, and might consider adopting new measures to minimize negative impacts, according to Ma.