BEIJING - China's foreign ministry on April 18 welcomed US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to China as tensions rise between the two countries over global trade, regional conflicts and the Russia-Ukraine war.

Mr Blinken will depart on April 23 for a four-day trip to China, where he will meet with senior Chinese officials amid heightening tensions, including over China's alignment with Russia and aggressive moves against the Philippines in the South China Sea, Politico reported.

Mr Blinken is also expected to raise US concerns that Beijing is helping Russia build up its defence industry to fight the war in Ukraine.

"China welcomes Secretary of State Blinken to visit China in the next few days," said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, at a regular press briefing.

Mr Blinken is visiting the world's second-largest economy to help smooth over recent strains, most notably after US President Joe Biden on April 17 called for sharply higher tariffs on Chinese metal products.

"As a matter of principle, we have consistently demanded the United States earnestly respect the principles of fair competition, respect WTO rules, and immediately stop the trade protectionist measures aimed at China," Mr Lin said.

Mr Biden aides said the US president was proposing raising to 25 per cent tariffs imposed by his predecessor Donald Trump on certain Chinese steel and aluminum products. The proposed higher tariff rate would apply to more than US$1 billion (S$1.35 billion) worth of steel and aluminum products, a US official said.

"China will take all necessary measures to protect its own legitimate rights and interests," Mr Lin said. REUTERS