China has firmly rejected a request from the United States to cease its purchases of Russian oil, following threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on countries that continue to import Russian energy.

In a statement issued by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Beijing emphasized that it has “no intention of reconsidering its energy policy in response to external pressure.”

“There is no pressure that can prevent us from meeting our country’s energy needs,” the statement read, underlining China’s stance that it will always prioritize its national interests when it comes to energy security.

The ministry further stated that intimidation and coercion would have no impact on China’s sovereign decisions.