China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs sharply criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies on Monday, labeling them a form of “economic bullying” and asserting that threats and pressure are not the right way to engage with China.

Speaking at a press conference in Beijing, ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said, “China strongly opposes these unilateral tariffs, which violate the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO),” adding that the country “will not yield to external pressure or political threats.”

The remarks came in response to renewed calls in the U.S. to reinstate protectionist measures initially introduced by the Trump administration, amid ongoing trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

Lin emphasized that China supports dialogue and cooperation based on mutual respect, warning that escalating trade actions would harm global economic stability, not just bilateral relations.