China doesn't want 'trade war' with US

China's premier says the Asian superpower's leaders don't want a trade war with Washington and has expressed optimism relations will improve.

Li Keqiang, the country's No. 2 leader, said at a news conference that the two giant economies should "uphold strategic interests".

"We don't wish to see a trade war breaking out between the two countries. That wouldn't make our trade fairer," Li said on Wednesday.

US President Donald Trump has promised to raise import taxes on Chinese goods to counter what he says are unfair practices by Beijing.

That has prompted warnings China might retaliate, disrupting one of the world's biggest trading relationships.

"China hopes that, no matter what bumps this relationship may run into, we hope this relationship will continue to forge in the right direction," Li said.

Officials of the two countries are discussing a face-to-face meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the premier said.

"China hopes that, no matter what bumps this relationship may run into, it will continue to forge in the right direction," said Li.

The premier affirmed Beijing's commitment to free trade, on which Chinese leaders have emerged as global advocates in response to Trump's calls for greater protectionism.

China will open its markets wider despite "frictions in trade and investment", Li said.

"China will continue to open to the outside world," the premier said. "We welcome other partners to share with us in the development opportunities of China."

The premier said China will help promote Asian regional trade but wants to work with its neighbours - an apparent attempt to ease concern about Beijing's increasing economic dominance.

"We have an open mind and we are ready to work together with others," Li said.

"China has no intention to overreach itself."