China Condemns US Tariff Proposal on Russian Oil Importers

Beijing, Sep 15 (PTI) – China denounced the United States’ suggestion for G7 and NATO countries to impose tariffs against Beijing and others importing Russian oil, labeling it a "typical act of unilateral bullying" and "economic coercion." The Chinese government warned of potential countermeasures should the U.S. proposal be adopted.

This staunch rejection coincided with the ongoing talks between Chinese and American delegations in Spain, focusing on economic and trade issues. At a regular media briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian defended China's economic relations, stating that its cooperation with Russia and other nations is lawful and justified.

Lin’s comments came in response to reports of the U.S. seeking to rally G7 and NATO members to collectively enforce additional tariffs on China due to its import of Russian oil, intended as pressure on Beijing over the Russia-Ukraine conflict. "The U.S. actions epitomize unilateralism, bullying, and economic coercion. They disrupt international trade rules and threaten the stability of global industrial supply chains," Lin remarked.

He emphasized that coercion and pressure fail to gain support or resolve issues, stating, "China firmly opposes any attempt to target it with unwarranted sanctions and jurisdiction." Lin asserted that any harm to China’s interests would trigger resolute countermeasures to protect its sovereignty, security, and developmental interests.

China maintains that dialogue and negotiation are the only viable solutions to the Ukraine crisis. Since the onset of the conflict, Lin noted, China has consistently advocated for peace talks, and most countries, including the U.S. and European nations, continue trading with Russia. He added that the cooperation between Chinese and Russian companies adheres to WTO rules and market principles, not targeting any third party, and should remain unimpeded.

U.S. President Donald Trump recently suggested NATO countries impose tariffs between 50 and 100 percent on China and halt Russian oil imports to help resolve the Ukraine crisis. On an earlier occasion, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reiterated Trump’s call to G7 finance ministers, urging them to align with the U.S. on imposing tariffs on nations purchasing Russian oil.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi dismissed the U.S. call for tariffs, arguing that warfare cannot address issues while sanctions merely complicate them. Although Bessent's statement did not single out specific countries, the U.S. has previously criticized India and China for buying Russian oil, despite the absence of tariffs on Beijing for such transactions.

The Trump administration already imposed 50 percent tariffs on India, including a 25 percent surcharge related to New Delhi's Russian oil purchases.

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