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Beijing’s warning came a day after US President Donald Trump said PM Modi had assured him that India would stop buying oil from Russia
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China defended its lawful oil imports from Russia and warned the US of “firm countermeasures” against any unilateral sanctions. Beijing criticized the US for economic coercion and undermining global trade rules, emphasizing its legitimate trade practices and opposition to US sanctions.
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The move follows last week’s announcement by China’s transport ministry, which described the fees as a retaliatory measure against the US decision to impose similar port charges on China-linked ships. (File Photo/Reuters)
China on Thursday warned the United States that it will take “firm countermeasures” if Washington imposes unilateral sanctions on Beijing over its oil imports from Russia.
Defending its energy trade as “legitimate and lawful,” China said the US is engaging in “unilateral bullying and economic coercion”, which threatens global supply chains and undermines international trade rules.
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Beijing’s warning came a day after US President Donald Trump said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him that India would stop buying oil from Russia. Trump then urged China to follow suit.
“Modi assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia. That’s a big step. Now we’ve got to get China to do the same thing,” Trump told reporters in Washington on Wednesday.
Responding to those remarks, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said China maintains an objective and fair stance on the Ukraine conflict, and its policy is “open and above board.”
“We firmly oppose the US’ action of directing the issue at China, and we strongly oppose imposing illegal unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction on China,” Lin said at a regular media briefing in Beijing.
“If China’s legitimate rights and interests are harmed, we will take firm countermeasures to safeguard our sovereignty, development, and security interests,” he added.
China is the largest buyer of Russian fossil fuels, followed by India. The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) estimates that China imports nearly 60% of Russia’s energy exports.
The warning comes amid rising tensions not just over oil but also over China’s recent restrictions on rare earth exports. These minerals are vital for electronics, clean energy, and defence, and China dominates both mining and processing.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticised Beijing’s move, saying China was acting against the rest of the world and that the US would coordinate with allies to respond.
China rejected the criticism, saying its rare earth controls are in line with international rules and aimed at preventing military misuse.
Despite the sharp words, China’s Commerce Ministry spokesperson He Yongqian said Beijing remained open to resolving trade issues with Washington through dialogue.
(With inputs from PTI)
General About the Author
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…
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First Published:
October 16, 2025, 16:13 IST
News world ‘We Will Take Firm Countermeasures’: China Warns US Over Russia Oil Sanctions Threats
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