China's Foreign Ministry condemned on Thursday Washington's new tariffs on cars and auto parts, warning that trade and tariff wars benefit no one and that no country can achieve lasting development and prosperity through protectionist measures.

Guo Jiakun, a spokesman for the ministry, made the remarks in response to the United States President Donald Trump's announcement of imposing new import taxes of 25 percent on cars and car parts coming into the US.

Trump said the latest tariffs would come into effect on April 2, with charges on businesses importing vehicles starting the next day. Charges on parts are set to start in May or later.

READ MORE: Auto industry rocked by Trump's 25% tariffs on US imports

"We noted that major trade partners of the US have responded to this," Guo said.

The US practice violates the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO), undermines rules-based multilateral trading system as well as the common interests of people from all countries, he said.

It will not help solve its own problem, Guo added.

WTO case

Meanwhile, China will proceed with follow-up procedures of its WTO case against the US for imposing additional tariffs on Chinese goods after the US agreed to consultations under the WTO dispute settlement mechanism, a Ministry of Commerce spokesperson said on Thursday.

The United States agreed to consultations on March 14, and China will advance subsequent procedures in accordance with WTO rules, spokesperson He Yadong told a regular press briefing.

READ MORE: US President Donald Trump announces new 25% auto tariffs

He reiterated China's firm opposition to US unilateral imposition of additional tariffs and its stance against the politicization, weaponization, and instrumentalization of economic and trade issues. 

China is willing to engage in candid dialogue with the United States based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, the spokesperson said.

With Xinhua inputs