The Trump administration has said it has the upper hand in its trade war with China, but a new threat against trading partners from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce could jeopardize President Donald Trump’s ability to stick to his far-reaching tariffs.

China said it will respond “resolutely” with “reciprocal” countermeasures against countries that make agreements with the United States against its interests.

A translated statement from the ministry released Monday said, “China firmly opposes any party reaching a deal at the expense of China’s interests. If this happens, China will never accept it and will resolutely take countermeasures in a reciprocal manner.

“China is determined and capable of safeguarding its own rights and interests.”

The statement came hours before Vice President JD Vance met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. With the United States being India’s top trading partner, the issue was a priority as Trump’s 27% tariffs on products made in India were temporarily paused.

During an event in San Francisco on Sunday, Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the goal was to have the first phase of a trade agreement between India and the U.S. signed by this fall.

Like India, Kazakhstan is under Trump’s threat of 27% tariffs as part of his “reciprocal” tariff plan and is expected to send a trade delegation to Washington soon. This week, top Trump cabinet officials are set to meet with delegations from South Korea, which is working to avoid 25% tariffs and Thailand, which is up against 36% tariffs.

While talking to reporters during the White House Easter Egg Roll on Monday, Trump said, “We’re gonna ultimately have a deal with anyone. If we don’t, we’re gonna make it anyway.”

China, meanwhile, has made an effort to present itself as a more hospitable trade alternative to the U.S.

In a recent social media post about the European Union facing tariff pressure from the U.S., the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said China is prepared to strengthen ties with the EU and protect the stability of global supply chains.

Have a news tip? Contact Ahtra Elnashar at aelnashar@sbgtv.com.