China says will 'safeguard' interests after Trump tariff threat over Iran

China said on Tuesday it would protect its rights and interests after US President Donald Trump announced a 25 per cent tariff on any country doing business with Iran.

"We have always believed that there are no winners in a tariff war, and China will resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests," foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular news conference when asked about Trump's levy announcement.