In the most dangerous escalation of the trade war, China warns countries against entering into trade agreements with the United States at its expense.

China accused Washington today, Monday, of misusing tariffs, warning countries against entering into a broader economic agreement with the United States at its expense, thus escalating its rhetoric amid an escalating trade war between the world's two largest economies. The spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said: "The United States has misused tariffs on all its trading partners under the banner of what is called 'parity,' while simultaneously forcing all parties to start what is called 'mutual tariff negotiations with it.'

The Ministry of Commerce stated that China is determined and capable of protecting its rights and interests.