Beijing said deals to restrict trade with China in exchange for U.S. tariff relief are “bargaining with a tiger for its skin” — seeking the impossible from the unreliable.

China is sending a message to countries that are cutting trade deals with the United States—stop or face retaliatory measures.

“China firmly opposes any party reaching a deal at the expense of China’s interests,” China’s Commerce Ministry said in a statement. “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.”