China "firmly opposes" the Trump administration's plans for tariffs on Chinese imports and "would fight to the end" if a trade war were initiated by the U.S., according to a statement from the embassy in Washington, D.C.

"China is strongly disappointed and firmly opposes such an action," the statement said. "China does not want a trade war with anyone. But China is not afraid of and will not recoil from a trade war. ... If a trade war were initiated by the U.S., China would fight to the end to defend its own legitimate interests with all necessary measures."