Beijing — Any trade war with the US will only bring disaster to the world economy, Chinese Commerce Minister Zhong Shan said on Sunday, as Beijing stepped up its criticism of proposed metals tariffs by Washington amid fears it could shatter global growth. After pressure from allies, the US has opened the way for more exemptions from tariffs of 25% on steel imports and 10% on aluminium that US President Donald Trump set last week. On Saturday, the EU and Japan urged the US to grant them exemptions from metal import tariffs, with Tokyo calling for "calm-headed behaviour". But the target of Trump’s ire is China, whose capacity expansions have helped add to global surpluses of steel. China has repeatedly vowed to defend its "legitimate rights and interests" if targeted by US trade actions. Zhong, speaking on the sidelines of China’s annual session of parliament, said China does not want a trade war and will not initiate one. "There are no winners in a trade war," Zhong said. "It will on...
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