China slams US tariff push as 'bullying', warns of retaliation

China on Monday described as a “typical act of unilateral bullying” and “economic coercion” the US call to G7 and NATO countries to impose tariffs against Beijing and others importing Russian oil, as it threatened countermeasures if Washington's call is heeded.

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China’s rejection of the US push came even as the Chinese and US delegations reconvened in Spain on Monday for the second day of their talks on economic and trade issues.

At a regular news briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said China’s normal economic and energy cooperation with countries around the world, including Russia, is legitimate, lawful, and above reproach.

He made the remarks when asked to comment on reports that the US has asked G7 and NATO members to collectively impose additional tariffs on China for purchasing Russian oil to pressure Beijing to play a role in ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict.