China on Thursday defended its purchases of Russian oil, calling them “legitimate,” and dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump’s pressure to halt the imports as an act of “intimidation.”

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Beijing engages in “normal and lawful cooperation” in trade and energy with countries around the world, including Russia, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).

The remarks came after President Trump urged China earlier this week to stop buying Russian oil, threatening additional sanctions. Beijing, in response, said it is prepared to “fight to the end” in the ongoing trade war with Washington.