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China has called for dialogue with Washington to resolve spiralling trade tensions that have seen the world’s two largest economies impose a slew of tariffs on each other’s imports.

Chinese Commerce Ministry spokeswoman, He Yongqian, made this call on Thursday during a weekly news conference.

“China has always advocated that China and the United States should adopt a positive and cooperative attitude towards differences and controversies in economic and trade fields.

“But it must be stressed that any form of communication and consultation must be based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.

“Threats and intimidation can only be counterproductive. It is hoped that the United States and China will work together… to return to the correct track of resolving issues through dialogue and consultation,” Yongqian said.

US President Donald Trump, since retaking office in January, has unleashed tariffs on major trading partners including China, Canada and Mexico, citing their failure to stem the flow of deadly fentanyl and related precursor chemicals.

This month saw Trump raise a 10-percent blanket tariff he previously imposed on Chinese products to 20 percent.

Beijing, however, responded with levies of up to 15 percent on a range of US agricultural goods including soybeans, pork and chicken.

China, the world’s top steel producer, also vowed Wednesday to take all necessary measures” to protect its interests in response to separate new US tariffs on steel and aluminium imports.