A recent report in the media suggests that these steps could be just the beginning of a more serious escalation.

The United States and China appeared to be inching closer to a trade war after Beijing revealed it would be retaliating against Washington with tariffs of its own on American goods. NBC News’ Janis Mackey Frayer and Aaron Gilchrist break down China’s rapid-fire retaliation to President Trump’s tariffs.

Beijing has made its decision. After days of warning of counter measures and urging Washington to enter negotiations and "meet China halfway", it has decided to hit back – or at least threaten to retaliate with its own tariffs.