A Chinese vice finance minister, Zhu Guangyao, said, China hopes there won't be a trade war with the US, but it will take appropriate steps to cope with that possibility.

While addressing an economic forum at a time of rising tensions with the United States, he said that, both nations should abandon a "zero sum" mentality and seek to enhance trade and economic cooperation.

He said that, "China will take appropriate steps to cope with a possible trade war with the United States, including through bilateral communications and the World Trade Organization."

"We don't hope to see this happen. It could hurt both countries."

But China will "unwaveringly safeguard" its core interests, which he said involved "territorial integrity, sovereignty and safety of political systems," Zhu said.

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