China has defended its ongoing purchase of Russian oil, stating that the trade is “legitimate and lawful” and warning the United States against what it calls “unilateral bullying” and “economic coercion.”1 The strong statement from China’s Foreign Ministry comes in direct response to pressure from the U.S. to halt its energy cooperation with Moscow.2
Beijing’s Official Stance
In a press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian reasserted China’s position, saying that the country maintains “normal, legitimate economic, trade, and energy cooperation with all countries in the world, including Russia.”3 He stated that the U.S. demands to stop buying Russian oil are a “typical example of unilateral bullying and economic coercion” that threaten the “security and stability of the global supply chain.”4
Lin’s comments were prompted by a statement from U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had “agreed” to stop Russian oil imports and that the U.S.’s focus would now shift to China “to do the same thing.”5 China, along with India, remains one of the top buyers of Russian crude exports, taking advantage of discounted prices in the wake of Western sanctions.6
The Threat of “Firm Countermeasures”
The Chinese spokesman also issued a direct warning to the U.S., stating, “If China’s legitimate rights and interests are harmed, China will take firm countermeasures to safeguard its sovereignty, security and development interests.” This statement indicates that Beijing is prepared to retaliate if the U.S. imposes sanctions or takes other actions aimed at restricting its trade with Russia.
Broader Context of Tensions
This latest diplomatic confrontation is part of a broader escalation of tensions between the U.S. and China. Beyond energy, the two countries are engaged in a trade dispute over a range of issues, including:
- Tariffs: The U.S. has threatened to impose massive tariffs on Chinese goods, while China has responded with its own new fees and sanctions on U.S. companies.7
- Export Controls: The U.S. has accused China of being an “unreliable partner to the world” for its export controls on rare earth minerals, which are crucial for many industries, including military applications.8
- Economic Allegations: U.S. officials have openly criticized China’s purchases of Russian energy, arguing that it is “fuelling the Russian war machines.”9
China has consistently rejected these accusations, maintaining that its position on the Ukraine conflict is “objective and just” and that it is not involved. However, the country continues to be a major financial lifeline for the Kremlin, accounting for a significant percentage of Russia’s fossil fuel export revenues.10
