The Chinese Embassy in Washington announced on Thursday that China rejects any form of coercion or pressure, in response to President Donald Trump’s call to stop buying Russian oil.

Chinese Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu stated:

"China firmly opposes any illegal unilateral sanctions, the expansion of jurisdiction, and any form of coercion or pressure."

He added that:

"Cooperation within the international community, including between China and Russia, is reasonable and legitimate under international law, does not harm the interests of third parties, and should be respected and protected."

Trump had said on Wednesday that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him India would not purchase Russian oil, and he urged China to take a similar stance.

According to Russia’s Novosti news agency, the Chinese Embassy said:

"China is prepared for a trade war with the United States but remains open to negotiations," emphasizing that "the U.S. cannot demand a resolution to the trade dispute while continuing to threaten tariffs."