China has condemned the United States for pushing G7 and NATO nations to impose tariffs on its imports tied to Russian oil, calling it an example of ‘bullying and economic coercion.’ Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that Beijing maintains normal economic, trade, and energy cooperation with all countries, including Russia. The statement comes amid Washington’s efforts to leverage economic pressure to influence Moscow’s actions in the Ukraine conflict.
Washington’s push for higher levies is an example of ‘bullying and economic coercion,’ Beijing has said. President Donald Trump has repeatedly called for pressure on Russia’s trading partners to stop buying its oil, arguing it could help end the Ukraine conflict. The Financial Times reported last week that Washington had asked G7 finance ministers to consider 50-100% secondary tariffs on Chinese and Indian imports tied to Russian oil. Trump has also urged the EU to impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods from Beijing and New Delhi as part of a joint effort to pressure Moscow.
Lin Jian, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, told reporters that Washington’s request was ‘a typical move of unilateralism, bullying, and economic coercion.’ He warned that China would ‘resolutely take countermeasures to safeguard our sovereignty, security and development interests’ if its rights and interests are harmed. The statement reflects a growing tension between China and the U.S. on economic policy and geopolitical strategy.
The Financial Times also reported that EU officials have begun early talks on possible secondary sanctions against China over its purchases of Russian oil and gas, but want U.S. backing before moving ahead. Since the Ukraine conflict escalated in 2022, Russia has become a major supplier of oil to both China and India. During a recent visit to Beijing, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned the West against speaking to economic powers such as China and India in an ‘unacceptable’ tone, citing their vast populations and strong domestic political systems.
China’s position on the Ukraine conflict has remained ‘objective and just,’ according to Lin Jian, with the emphasis on dialogue and negotiation as the only viable solution. The U.S. and its allies continue to seek economic leverage against Russia, but Beijing’s stance highlights the complexity of global economic relations and the challenges of enforcing sanctions in a multipolar world.