Mubasher: China’s government warned US President Donald Trump against imposing tariffs over steel and aluminum exports.

This move comes after US commerce secretary Wilbur Ross signalled potential restrictions on foreign metal suppliers including China.

“If the US’ final decision affects China's interests, we will take necessary measures to defend our rights," Wang Hejun, a senior official at China's Ministry of Commerce, told Chinese news agency Xinhua on Saturday.

Trump is scheduled to take a final decision on trade deals with China by mid-April, thus ending or boosting trade disputes between the two countries.

The report did not show details about China’s response, as Ross’ comments came while China’s markets were closed for the Lunar New Year and most of its officials were off for the holiday.