(MENAFN) China issued a sharp warning Thursday, pledging to defend its sovereignty and economic interests if pressured to cut energy ties with Russia, following remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump.

“If China’s legitimate rights and interests are harmed, China will take firm countermeasures to safeguard its sovereignty, security and development interests,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian during a briefing in Beijing.

The statement came in direct response to Trump’s claim that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had “agreed” to stop purchasing Russian oil and that his administration would now turn its focus to China “to do the same thing.”

India and China are the leading importers of Russian crude, with energy trade between Moscow and Beijing remaining robust despite Western sanctions.

“China carries out normal economic, trade and energy cooperation with all countries in the world including Russia. This is legitimate and lawful,” Lin emphasized, signaling Beijing’s unwillingness to bow to external pressure.

He condemned U.S. calls to halt Russian oil imports, branding them as “unilateral bullying and economic coercion,” and warned that such demands “threaten security stability of global supply chain.”

Lin reiterated Beijing's neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict, stating, “China’s position on the Ukraine war is objective and just.”

In the wake of Trump’s comments, New Delhi defended its continued energy dealings with Moscow. India described itself as a “significant importer” of oil and gas, adding that purchases from Russia were made “to safeguard the interests of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario.”

China, meanwhile, voiced strong opposition to U.S. threats of punitive action.

“We firmly oppose the US making China an issue, and oppose abusing unilateral, illicit sanctions, long-arm jurisdiction against China,” Lin stated.

The exchange underscores rising tensions over global energy flows and Washington's efforts to further isolate Russia economically amid its ongoing war in Ukraine.

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