We will not fire the first shot in a trade war with the US, says China

"As long as the United States issues a so-called tariff list, China will take necessary measures to firmly protect its legitimate interests," said a person with knowledge of the plan

China will “absolutely not” fire the first shot in a trade war with the United States and will not be the first to levy tariffs, its finance ministry said on Wednesday.

A person with knowledge of the plan earlier told Reuters China’s threatened tariffs on $34 billion of U.S. goods would take effect from the beginning of the day on Friday. Given the 12-hour time difference, that would have put its implementation ahead of Washington’s. Other media carried similar reports.

But the ministry issued a brief clarification in response.

“The Chinese government’s position has been stated many times. We absolutely will not fire