China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying speaks to media on Tuesday. [Photo: fmprc.gov.cn]

Any U.S. trade protectionism move against China will surely damage bilateral economic and trade ties, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Tuesday.

China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) Tuesday expressed "grave concerns" about a memorandum signed by U.S. President Donald Trump to direct U.S. trade representative Robert Lighthizer to examine China's intellectual property practices.

In response, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a daily news briefing that the MOC had released a statement on the recent U.S. trade protectionism move, expressing three important messages.

"Firstly, we think the United States should not become a destroyer of multilateral rules," Hua said.

She said secondly any U.S. trade protectionism move against China will surely damage bilateral ties and the interests of companies from both countries.

Thirdly, if the United States fails to respect basic facts and multilateral trade rules, and takes measures that harm bilateral economic and trade relations, China will definitely not sit by, but will take all appropriate measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, she said.

Hua said China's position on the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula remains clear and consistent. China is committed to safeguarding the international nuclear nonproliferation treaty, protecting peace and stability on the peninsula, and safeguarding its own security interests.

China stands ready to play a constructive role in resolving the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula through political and peaceful means, and maintaining communication with the United States on the basis of mutual respect, she said.