Tensions could extend beyond the trade sphere and impact other areas of contention between Washington and Beijing.

Lu Wenrong, whose wealth became the focus of public interest after his son was abducted in Canada in March, said his personal fortune had nothing to do with his role as deputy president of the official Chinese Taoist Association.In an interview with the Beijing Times on Thursday, Lu denied that his son was bragging about the family's fortune on social media around the time he was kidnapped by masked men with stun guns in Markham, Ontario.Lu said his son had rented a Ferrari while at university… ......

The foreign ministers of China and Iran have met in Beijing amid heightened Middle East tensions and efforts by Tehran to keep its world markets open.

World share markets suffered a fresh bout of risk aversion on Friday after tough words on trade from China, while bets on a new pro-Brexit leader in Britain whipped the pound towards its worst week since October.

China's foreign ministry said on Friday Beijing has always wanted to resolve all disputes through talks amid an escalating trade conflict with the United States.

Asian shares suffered a fresh bout of the shakes on Friday as tough words on trade from China's media drowned out upbeat news on the U.S. economy and corporate earnings.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with Hong Kong pro-democracy leader Martin Lee on Thursday, the State Department said, as Hong Kong activists seek to derail a proposed extradition law pushed by Beijing.