Beijing, China — China says it’s “fully prepared” for a trade war with the United States if it kicks off in earnest on Friday.
Hopes are dwindling for the world’s two biggest economies to reach a breakthrough this week before Washington starts charging tariffs on $34 billion in Chinese imports. Beijing has pledged to retaliate with equal tariffs on $34 billion in U.S. goods.
The Foreign Ministry said Tuesday that China will be “fully prepared to take a package of necessary measures” to safeguard its national interests.
President Donald Trump has accused China of unfairly acquiring U.S. technology and limiting market access for finance and technology firms — claims that China denies.
U.S. companies ranging from whiskey distilleries to automakers like Ford and Tesla could be hit if China ramps up retaliatory measures.