CHINA wants to bring its trade ties with the US back to a stable footing, its commerce minister Wang Wentao said, adding that recent talks in Europe showed there was no need for a tariff war while urging the US to act.

Mr Wang said last week that the "ups and downs" in the two countries' relationship underscored their economic interdependence, writes Reuters.

Asked about the United States specifically, Wang said: "Major countries should act like major countries. They must shoulder their responsibilities," adding that China would protect its national interests.

China is facing an August 12 deadline to reach a durable tariff agreement with the United States, after Beijing and Washington reached a preliminary deal last month to end weeks of escalating tit-for-tat tariffs.

If no deal is reached, global supply chains could face renewed turmoil from duties exceeding 100 per cent.

Mr Wang said negotiations in Geneva and London earlier this year demonstrated there was no need to return to a trade war.

"Practice has proven that through dialogue and consultation, with leadership and communication at the highest levels, we can properly manage contradictions and resolve our differences," he said.

"We will continue to strengthen dialogue and communication, deepen consensus, reduce misunderstandings, enhance cooperation, to jointly put China-U.S. economic and trade relations back on track to achieve healthy, stable and sustainable development."

Mr Wang said the current overall tariff level imposed by the US on China was "still high" at 53.6 per cent.

Analysts have said that additional duties exceeding 35 per cent will probably wipe out Chinese manufacturers' profit margins.

"Both sides have come to understand that they need each other, as lots of the goods and services that we exchange are irreplaceable, or at least difficult to exchange in the short-term," Mr Wang said.

"China does not want a trade war, but it is not afraid of one," he reiterated.