China issued a stern warning on Monday, declaring it "firmly opposes" any country entering trade deals with the United States at Beijing's expense, AFP reported. This strong statement follows reports that the Trump administration is pressuring nations to curb trade with China in exchange for tariff exemptions from the U.S.

Beijing's commerce ministry cautioned that countries seeking to benefit by sacrificing China's interests would face “countermeasures.” In a fiery statement, it said, “Appeasement will not bring peace, and compromise will not be respected… To seek one's own temporary selfish interests at the expense of others is to seek the skin of a tiger.”

Amid escalating tensions, the U.S. has imposed tariffs as high as 145% on Chinese products, while China has retaliated with 125% duties. Beijing accused Washington of undermining global trade norms and warned that nations engaging in side deals with the U.S. could suffer mutual losses.