By Kevin Yao BEIJING (Reuters) -Chinese policymakers on Monday sought to assuage concerns the broad U.S. tariffs could derail efforts to shore up a fragile economic recovery, even as analysts warn the hefty levies raise the risk of a sharp downturn in growth.

Ryan Petersen said a lot of what Americans buy from China is "discretionary spend" — optional items that can be replaced if they become expensive.

Nearly four weeks into a costly global trade war with no end in sight, Mr. Trump is facing a barrage of lawsuits from state officials, small businesses and even once-allied political groups, all contending that the president cannot sidestep Congress and tax virtually any import at levels to his liking.