The US is considering 25 per cent tariffs on 200 billion dollars (£152bn) of Chinese goods – more than double the 10 per cent initially planned.

The review of the higher tariff is a request from President Donald Trump, who wants China to change its trade practices.

However, the decision risks escalating tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

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China has already warned it would retaliate if the US went ahead with the plan, accusing Washington of blackmail.

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“If the US side takes steps to further escalate the situation, we will definitely take counter-measures to resolutely safeguard our legitimate and legal rights and interests,” said foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang on Wednesday.