Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong speaks with Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan (not pictured) during their meeting on April 9, 2018 at the Zhongnanhai Leadership Compound in Beijing, China. Parker Song/Pool via Reuters

BOAO, China (Reuters) - Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Tuesday China’s response to U.S. tariffs has been careful, but both sides should avoid further escalation of tension.

Speaking at the Boao Forum for Asia in China, Lee said the consequences for the world could be catastrophic if trade tensions between China and the United States increased.