Rep. Kevin Brady Kevin Patrick BradyBusinesses, states pass on Trump payroll tax deferral Trump order on drug prices faces long road to finish line On The Money: US deficit hits trillion amid pandemic | McConnell: Chance for relief deal 'doesn't look that good' | House employees won't have payroll taxes deferred MORE (R-Texas), the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, is urging President Trump Donald John TrumpBiden on Trump's refusal to commit to peaceful transfer of power: 'What country are we in?' Romney: 'Unthinkable and unacceptable' to not commit to peaceful transition of power Two Louisville police officers shot amid Breonna Taylor grand jury protests MORE to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping amid an escalating trade war between the two countries.

Brady expressed concerns following the Trump administration's announcement that it would look to impose tariffs on an additional $200 billion in Chinese goods just days after the two nations implemented duties on $34 billion worth of the other country's imports.

"With this announcement, it’s clear the escalating trade dispute with China will go one of two ways – a long, multi-year trade war between the two largest economies in the world that engulfs more and more of the globe, or a deliberate decision by President Trump and President XI to meet and begin crafting an agreement that levels the playing field between China and the U.S. for local farmers, workers and businesses," Brady said in a statement.

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"Despite the serious economic consequences of ever-increasing tariffs, today there are no serious trade discussions occurring between the U.S. and China, no plans for trade negotiations anytime soon, and seemingly little action toward a solution," he added.

Brady is among a large group of Republican lawmakers who have pushed back against Trump's decision to impose steep tariffs on China and numerous U.S. allies. The U.S. tariffs have prompted Canada, Mexico and the European Union to impose retaliatory measures.

Trump has brushed off concerns that he is sparking a global trade war, saying such disputes are "good, and easy to win."

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer Robert (Bob) Emmet LighthizerWhiskey, workers and friends caught in the trade dispute crossfire GOP senator warns quick vote on new NAFTA would be 'huge mistake' Pelosi casts doubt on USMCA deal in 2019 MORE in a statement late Tuesday said the Trump administration has urged China to stop its unfair practices and open its market. The latest round of tariffs are intended to accomplish that, he said.

The new tariffs would hit a wide range of Chinese products including tuna, cobia, swordfish, vegetables, nuts, fruits and various minerals.