TONAWANDA, N.Y. -- The United States and China now have both imposed taxes on some products they export to the other country and both are threatening more. In Western New York Tuesday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer delivered a strong message in support of staying the course.

"Every time we're strong, they back off. Every time we're weak, they take advantage. You know, they're like a bully. I'm from Brooklyn. I dealt with bullies my whole life - gotta be tough," said Schumer, D-New York.

Schumer has often found himself leading the opposition against President Donald Trump's administration on issues like immigration, taxes and health care. When it comes to trade with the foreign power however, he said he and Trump are on the same page.

"I am much closer to President Trump on China than I was to President Bush, Republican, President Obama, Democrat, because they let China get away with everything," Schumer said.

The Democrat said the administration needs to stay strong in its fight to protect intellectual property and stop China from undercutting the U.S. steel and aluminum industry by selling the products at much lower costs overseas than it does domestically. He pointed out there remains a more than $300 billion trade deficit between the two countries.

"China will try to scare us but let me tell you something, they're a bully and if we stay strong, they will back off. They have far more to lose than we do," Schumer said.

While some Republicans have criticized the steel tariff, Rep. Chris Collins has also been steadfast in backing the administration's direction.

"The Trump Administration, including USDA Secretary (Sonny) Perdue, was aware that China could retaliate and impose tariffs on agricultural products but they are prepared to take necessary actions to make sure our nation’s agriculture industry is protected," said Collins, R-27th District.

Schumer said he's not concerned the products targeted, which include fruit, pork and nuts, will affect his constituents significantly.

"Well, they picked almonds. All the products I saw had nothing to do with New York. I don't know if China did that on purpose," he said.