Key Points

China has strongly rejected US demands for G7 nations to impose heavy tariffs on Chinese imports over Russia oil purchases. The Ministry of Commerce spokesperson called this a typical act of unilateral bullying and economic coercion. Such measures would violate the consensus reached during recent leader discussions and threaten global trade stability. China warned it will take all necessary actions to protect its interests if any party causes harm.

Key Points: China Opposes US Tariff Demand Over Russian Oil Purchases

  • China firmly opposes US demand for 50-100% tariffs over Russian oil purchases
  • Calls US move unilateral bullying and economic coercion tactic
  • Warns tariffs violate bilateral consensus from leaders' phone call
  • Says measures would severely disrupt global trade and supply chains
  • China vows to take necessary measures to protect its interests
  • Urges US to resolve differences through equal dialogue instead
2 min read

China opposes US demand for tariffs on Beijing over Russian oil purchase

China rejects US pressure for G7 tariffs on Russian oil imports, calling it unilateral bullying that violates trade consensus and threatens global supply chains.

"The US attempt to coerce relevant parties into imposing secondary tariffs on China is a typical act of unilateral bullying and economic coercion - Ministry of Commerce Spokesperson"

Beijing, Sep 15

China firmly opposes a US demand that Group of Seven (G7) and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) countries impose tariffs of 50 to 100 per cent on China due to the country's purchase of Russian oil, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce said Monday.

In response to a media query, the spokesperson said China has always opposed trade and economic restrictions against China under the pretext of so-called "Russia-related" issues.

The US attempt to coerce relevant parties into imposing "secondary tariffs" on China over its purchase of Russian oil is a typical act of unilateral bullying and economic coercion, the spokesperson was quoted as saying by the Xinhua news agency.

Such a move seriously violates the consensus reached during a phone call between the two heads of state and could severely impact global trade and disrupt the stability of industrial and supply chains, the spokesperson added.

China strongly opposes this and will take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests if any party harms China's interests, the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson expressed hope that the United States will act with caution, work in the same direction with China, and properly resolve trade differences through equal dialogue and consultation.

The spokesperson also urged relevant parties to uphold principles and work together with China to safeguard the international trade order and the stability of global industrial and supply chains.

Last week, the US pressed its G7 partners to adopt tougher measures against Russia, urging them to impose tariffs on countries that continue to buy Russian oil.

In a joint call with G7 finance ministers, US Ambassador Jamieson Greer and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, on Friday, echoed President Donald Trump’s demand that allies step up efforts to cut off Moscow’s energy revenues, which Washington says are fuelling the war in Ukraine.

The officials said the US has already moved ahead with punitive tariffs on nations that continue importing Russian oil, describing the policy as a cornerstone of Trump’s strategy to force Moscow to the negotiating table. They urged other G7 members — Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom — to follow suit.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is exactly why India needs to maintain strategic autonomy. We can't let any country dictate our trade policies. Every nation has the right to secure energy at affordable prices for its people.
M
Michael C
While I understand the geopolitical concerns, imposing tariffs like this will only hurt global trade and ordinary consumers. The US approach seems counterproductive and could backfire economically.
A
Ananya R
China is right to oppose this bullying tactic. The US can't expect every country to follow their foreign policy agenda. Developing nations need affordable energy to grow their economies.
S
Suresh O
As an Indian, I'm concerned this could set a precedent that might affect us too. We've been buying Russian oil at discounted rates which helps control inflation. The West should focus on diplomacy rather than threats.
K
Kavya N
The timing is interesting - just before winter when energy demands rise. Western countries want to restrict others while securing their own energy needs. Double standards much? 🙄

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