BEIJING -- Pressure and threats from the United States will not resolve the ongoing China-US trade dispute, China's Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday, calling for a return to fair dialogue.

Ministry spokesperson He Yongqian told a press briefing that while China remains open to talks, any talks must be based on mutual respect and conducted on an equal footing.

If the United States is bent on waging a trade war, China will fight to the end, the spokesperson said.

"Pressure, threats and blackmail are not the right way to deal with China. We hope that the two countries will meet each other halfway and work towards resolving differences through dialogue and consultation, guided by the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation," He said.

Stressing that there are no winners in a trade war and that protectionism leads nowhere, the spokesperson said that China will never accept the US tactic of maximum pressure and bullying and will take resolute and effective measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.

Amid widespread opposition from both within the United States and the international community to the US so-called "reciprocal tariffs," the spokesperson said China urges the United States to lift these unilateral tariff measures as soon as possible.

The spokesperson also called on the United States to correct its misguided actions and help create a conducive atmosphere for dialogue and consultation.