Following the start of President Donald Trump's additional tariffs on Chinese imports, Beijing warned that it's ready for any "type of war" with the U.S.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian took that stance during a press conference late Tuesday after being asked his reaction to the tariffs, which are now 20% on Chinese goods.
"If war is what the U.S. wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war, or any other type of war, we're ready to fight till the end," Lin said. "We urge the U.S. to stop being domineering and return to the right track of dialogue and cooperation at an early date."
The Chinese Embassy in the U.S. expressed a similar sentiment.
"If the U.S. truly wants to solve the #fentanyl issue, then the right thing to do is to consult with China by treating each other as equals," embassy officials posted on X late Tuesday night.
Trump on Tuesday implemented 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada, and an additional 10% on China, as a way to pressure the countries to stop the influx of fentanyl into the U.S.
Cartels are moving drugs, produced in China, across the borders.
"Let me reiterate that intimidation does not scare us," Lin said. "Bullying does not work on us. Pressuring, coercion, or threats are not the right way of dealing with China. Anyone using maximum pressure on China is picking the wrong guy and miscalculating.
"If the U.S. truly wants to solve the fentanyl issue, then the right thing to do is to consult with China on the basis of equality, mutual respect, and mutual benefit to address each other's concerns."
China has imposed a 15% tariff on American agricultural goods.
Lin defended that retaliation by saying his country "has made clear its opposition" to the tariff but must "defend our rights and interests."