China Dismisses US Tariff Threats Over Russian Oil Purchases
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has defied US threats of increased tariffs related to its oil purchases from Russia, asserting that Beijing will prioritize its national interests. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun reiterated on Friday the “firm and clear” partnership between China and Russia, emphasizing that such economic cooperation is both lawful and legitimate.
In recent statements, US President Donald Trump has targeted key buyers of Russian oil, including China and India, arguing that these transactions exacerbate the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Trump administration has suggested implementing tariffs as a mechanism to counter perceived unfair trade practices by other nations.
Guo Jiakun stated, “It is legitimate and lawful for China to engage in economic, trade, and energy cooperation with other countries, including Russia. We will continue to pursue energy supply strategies that serve our national interests.” His remarks underscore China’s intent to maintain its energy supply operations despite US pressures.
Responding to the tariff threats, a China MFA spokesperson asserted that “tariff wars have no winners” and highlighted that coercion will fail to influence China’s energy supply decisions. Both China and Russia have described their alliance as an unprecedented strategic partnership, rooted in mutual respect and aligned goals. They have criticized the US for seeking unilateral advantages and undermining the development of a multipolar global order.
India has also rejected Washington’s tariff pressures, labeling them “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.” Collectively, China, India, and Russia represent founding members of BRICS, a coalition of significant non-Western economies. Trump has suggested that BRICS aims to undermine the US dollar’s status as the global reserve currency and threatens punitive tariffs against its members.
As the geopolitical landscape continues to shift, the resilience of partnerships among these nations poses challenges to US strategic interests, while reinforcing their collective economic strategies aimed at fostering independence from Western influences.
China’s firm stance on its energy cooperation with Russia not only underscores its dedication to national interest but also raises questions about the effectiveness of US tariff threats in shaping foreign policy decisions among key players on the global stage, reports 24brussels.
