China puts tariffs on 128 imports from US

China imposed new tariffs on 128 imports from the US valued at around $3 billion on Monday, sending a strong signal that the United States should revoke protective measures that violate WTO rules amid trade tension.

The move is in response to Washington slapping a 25 percent tariff on steel imports and 10 percent tariff on aluminum on March 23, a statement on the website of the Ministry of Finance said.

China always calls for and supports multilateral trading mechanisms, and imposing tariffs on imports from the US is a "proper measure" in line with World Trade Organization rules to safeguard China's interests, the statement said.