China on Wednesday said that trade issues should not be instrumentalized or weaponized.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks during a regular news briefing in Beijing in response to a media inquiry about the ongoing US-Israeli strikes against Iran.

A file photo of Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning. (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

US President Donald Trump has threatened to halt all trade with Spain, after the country barred the US from using Spanish air bases for strikes against Iran.

"The US and Israel's military strikes against Iran violate international law," Mao told the conference.

Trade should not be used as a tool or weapon, she said.

(Compiled by intern Li Linmo)