A spokesperson for China's foreign ministry has called for dialogue with the United States to solve trade friction, while denouncing Washington for imposing additional tariffs on Chinese products.

The administration of US President Trump imposed additional 10 percent tariffs on Chinese imports on Tuesday. China hit back, announcing that it will impose additional levies on US goods such as coal and liquefied natural gas, starting next Monday.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a news conference on Wednesday that pressure and threats do no work with China.

He said what is needed now is not unilateral additional tariffs, but equal-footed and mutually respective dialogue and negotiations.

Lin made no mention of concrete timing for phone talks between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, which US sources said were expected to be held soon.

The spokesperson referred to the announcement by the United States Postal Service that it would temporarily suspend accepting parcels from China and Hong Kong with regard to the US imposition of additional tariffs.

He said the Chinese government urges the US to stop unjust pressure against Chinese companies, adding that the government will take necessary measures to safeguard their legitimate interests.