Chinavowsretaliationafter U.S. threat to expand tariffs

China’s government vowed Wednesday to take “firm and forceful measures” as the U.S. threatened to expand tariffs to thousands of Chinese imports like fish sticks, apples and French doors, the latest salvo in an escalating trade dispute that threatens to chill global economic growth.

A possible second round of tariff hikes announced Tuesday by the U.S. Trade Representative targets a $200 billion list of Chinese goods.

The abrupt escalation is “totally unacceptable,” said a Commerce Ministry statement.