Beijing, Oct 16 (PTI) — On Thursday, China defended its oil imports from Russia, asserting their legitimacy and legality while cautioning the United States against imposing unilateral sanctions that may impact Beijing's interests. The Chinese government warned it would take "firm countermeasures" in response to any such actions.
In a media briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian criticized the U.S. approach, labeling it as unilateral bullying and economic coercion that significantly undermines international trade rules and threatens global industrial and supply chain security.
China's trade and energy cooperation with Russia and other countries is transparent and above board, Lin said, addressing questions regarding U.S. President Donald Trump's statement. Trump claimed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him that India will halt oil purchases from Russia and suggested China should do the same.
Trump expressed dissatisfaction in Washington on Wednesday over India's Russian oil imports, arguing that they financially assist President Vladimir Putin's war efforts in Ukraine. "Modi assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia. That's a big step. Now we've got to get China to do the same thing," he stated.
Lin emphasized China's objective and fair stance on the Ukraine crisis, asserting that its policies are clear and transparent. "We firmly oppose the US’ action of directing the issue at China, and we strongly oppose imposing illegal unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction on China," Lin said.
He added, "If China's legitimate rights and interests are harmed, we will take firm countermeasures to safeguard our sovereignty, development, and security interests."
According to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), India ranks as the second-largest buyer of Russian fossil fuels following China. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noted that China purchases 60% of Russian energy.
Beyond oil, Russia primarily sources its gas supplies from China through cross-border pipelines.
Responding to Bessent's remarks that China's rare earth export curbs represent a "China versus the world" stance and that the U.S. plans a collective response with its allies, Lin reiterated that these measures comply with international norms. They serve to promote world peace, regional stability, and fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation.
China, which wields considerable influence in the rare earth materials market, recently imposed more export restrictions, claiming foreign firms misuse its supplies for military purposes. This move angered Trump, who threatened 100% tariffs on Chinese goods.
Bessent told CNBC, "We’re going to be speaking with our European allies, with Australia, with Canada, with India and the Asian democracies. And we’re going to have a fulsome group response to this because bureaucrats in China cannot manage the supply chain or the manufacturing process for the rest of the world."
China dominates the rare earth market, accounting for about 70% of global mining and nearly 90% of processing, making it a key supplier for the automotive, electronics, renewable energy, and defense sectors. The U.S., the European Union, and India are major importers of China's rare earth metals.
In a separate statement, Commerce Ministry spokesperson He Yongqian expressed Beijing's readiness for dialogue to resolve trade disputes with the U.S. In response to whether China plans to engage in further economic and trade talks before the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in South Korea, He emphasized Beijing's openness to equal consultations grounded in mutual respect.
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