China says it always believes there are no winners in trade or tariff wars, and that the country is steadfast in safeguarding its national interests.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning made the comments at a news conference on Wednesday.

Her remarks came a day after US President Donald Trump said his administration was discussing an additional 10 percent tariff on imports from China starting February 1.

Trump cited as the reason for the measure China's sending the painkiller drug fentanyl to the United States via Mexico and Canada. Fentanyl overdoses are a serious social problem in the US.

Asked whether Washington and Beijing are holding dialogue on the tariff, Mao said China is willing to develop bilateral relations in a stable, healthy and sustainable manner by maintaining communication and appropriately managing differences.

The spokesperson also referred to Trump's remarks that China is operating the Panama Canal and that the US will take it back.

Mao said China will support Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino, who rejected Trump's claims.

She said Beijing has not taken part in managing or operating the canal, and consistently respects Panama's sovereignty.