China slams nations trying to 'appease' US in trade deals

China has hit out at countries it accuses of appeasing the US in trade talks over President Donald Trump's tariffs.

A Chinese commerce ministry spokesperson made the comments in response to reports that Washington plans to put pressure on governments to restrict trade with Beijing in exchange for exemptions to US import taxes.

The Trump administration has started talks with trading partners over tariffs, with a Japanese delegation visiting Washington last week and South Korea is set to start negotiations this week.

Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has imposed hefty tariffs on Chinese imports, while other countries have also been hit with levies on their goods.

"Appeasement cannot bring peace, and compromise cannot earn one respect," the Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson said.

"China believes that all parties should stand on the side of fairness... and should defend international economic and trade rules and the multilateral trading system."

Trump has imposed taxes of up to 145% on imports from China. Other countries are facing a blanket US tariff of 10% until July.

His administration said last week that when the new tariffs are added on to existing ones, the levies on some Chinese goods could reach 245%.