China has strongly criticized a bill introduced in the US Senate that threatens to impose tariffs of up to 100% on the largest buyers of Russian energy resources. Beijing stated that it would take “necessary measures” to protect the interests of Chinese companies and citizens.
At a press briefing on July 15, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said that Beijing firmly opposed unilateral sanctions that lacked a basis in international law and had not been authorized by the United Nations Security Council.
China’s statement followed the introduction of the bill by US senators on July 14. The initiative is currently before the Senate, but no vote has yet taken place. According to the bill’s sponsors, the initiative is intended to reduce Russia’s energy revenues and increase pressure on Moscow by limiting the financial resources available to continue its war against Ukraine.
The proposed legislation would authorize the US president to impose tariffs of up to 100% on the five largest purchasers of Russian oil and natural gas. According to information provided by Senate aides, the main buyers of Russian crude oil are China, India, Slovakia, Hungary, and Azerbaijan. China, France, Japan, Hungary, and Belgium are also listed among the largest importers of Russian natural gas.
As one of the largest purchasers of Russian energy resources, China would be directly exposed to the potential restrictions envisaged under the bill, which largely explains Beijing’s sharp response.
If adopted, the US sanctions policy related to the war in Ukraine would also directly affect US-China trade relations. Washington would seek to intensify pressure on Russia’s energy sector by using tariffs against its principal trading partners, while Beijing views energy cooperation with Moscow as part of its economic interests and energy security.
Accordingly, the initiative could not only increase sanctions pressure on Russia but also create a new dimension of trade and political confrontation between the United States and China.
