Trump warns China on trade again, says he has been 'nice' to it so far

President Donald Trump today accused China of being "vicious" in its trade with the US, and said his administration has so far been "nice" but indicated harsher measures against Beijing amidst an intense trade war between the two economic giants.

The US had earlier this month imposed 25 per cent duties on USD 34 billion of imports from China, the first in a series of possible increases that Trump had said could affect up to USD 550 billion of Chinese goods, more than the total amount China exported to the US last year.

"China is targeting our farmers, who they know I love & respect, as a way of getting me to continue allowing them to take advantage of the US," Trump tweeted.

"They are being vicious in what will be their failed attempt. We were being nice - until now! China made USD517 billion on us last year," he added.

Trump, in a series of tweets, was also critical of those inside the US asking him not to engage in countries like China on tariff war as this is harming the US.

"Every time I see a weak politician asking to stop Trade talks or the use of Tariffs to counter unfair Tariffs, I wonder, what can they be thinking? Are we just going to continue and let our farmers and country get ripped off? Lost USD 817 billion on Trade last year. No weakness!" he said.

"When you have people snipping at your heels during a negotiation, it will only take longer to make a deal, and the deal will never be as good as it could have been with unity. Negotiations are going really well, be cool. The end result will be worth it!" Trump said in another tweet.