China says the U.S. must get over what it characterized as a “Cold War mentality and zero-sum ideology” in a response to President Trump Donald John TrumpBiden leads Trump by 36 points nationally among Latinos: poll Trump dismisses climate change role in fires, says Newsom needs to manage forest better Jimmy Kimmel hits Trump for rallies while hosting Emmy Awards MORE's Tuesday State of the Union address.

The remarks from foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying reported by The Associated Press appeared to be a response to Trump's statement that Beijing is competing against U.S. interests.

Hua said Washington and Beijing's common interests are stronger than their differences, according to the AP.

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Trump, who has repeatedly criticized China's $275 billion trade surplus with the United States, identified Beijing as a rival in his well-watched address. Tensions between the two countries have also grown as a result of China's efforts to consolidate power in Asia.

"Around the world, we face rogue regimes, terrorist groups and rivals like China and Russia that challenge our interests, our economy and our values," Trump said Tuesday night at the Capitol.

"In confronting these dangers, we know that weakness is the surest path to conflict, and unmatched power is the surest means of our defense," the president continued, noting that the U.S. is "also restoring our strength and standing abroad."

Earlier this month, the president imposed tariffs of 30 percent on imported solar panel technology in what appeared to be a more aggressive approach toward trade relations with China.

The move, which also sought to help domestic manufacturers, serves as a major blow to an industry that primarily imports its solar panel products.