China Official Labels US Actions In Trade Dispute 'Naked Economic Terrorism.'

Tension between the U.S. and China is ramping up as a Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Hanhui told reporters in Beijing that U.S. actions in the trade dispute between the two sides amount to "naked economic terrorism."

China is not in favor of trade sanctions, tariffs and protectionist measures, Zhang said. "We oppose a trade war but are not afraid of a trade war," he stated. "This kind of deliberately provoking trade disputes is naked economic terrorism, economic chauvinism, economic bullying."

He also warned that the situation could have negative effects on the global economic situation. "This trade clash will have a serious negative effect on global economic development and recovery," Zhang added, noting that China will make sure to "safeguard our country's sovereignty, security, respect and security and development interests."