U.S. President Trump's tariff increase to 25% on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods took effect on Friday, and Beijing said it would strike back, ratcheting up tensions as the two sides pursue last-ditch talks to try salvaging a trade deal.

China's Commerce Ministry said it "deeply regrets" the U.S. decision, adding that it would take necessary countermeasures, without elaborating.

The hike comes in the midst of two days of talks between top U.S. and Chinese negotiators to try to rescue a faltering deal aimed at ending a 10-month trade war between the world's two largest economies. The China Commerce Ministry said that negotiations were continuing in Friday., and that it "hopes the US can meet China halfway, make joint efforts, and resolve the issue through cooperation and consultation".