Beijing, July 30 -- China on Wednesday responded strongly to the US suggestion that it will significantly raise tariffs if China continues to purchase Russian oil, saying "coercion and pressuring will not achieve anything."

"Response to US suggestion that it will significantly raise tariffs if China continues to purchase Russian oil: China will always ensure its energy supply in ways that serve our national interests," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun wrote on X.

"Tariff wars have no winners. Coercion and pressuring will not achieve anything. China will firmly defend its sovereignty, security and development interests," the Chinese spokesperson said.

On Tuesday, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he had warned Chi...