On the 15th, the Ministry of Commerce website reported that the spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce responded to a journalist's question regarding the U.S. request for relevant parties to impose additional tariffs on China for importing Russian oil.
A journalist asked: Recently, the U.S. has requested the G7 and NATO to impose tariffs of 50%-100% on China for purchasing Russian oil, in an attempt to push China to play a role in ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict. What is the Ministry's response?
Answer: China has always opposed trade restrictions against China under the pretext of "involvement with Russia." The U.S. attempt to coerce relevant parties to impose "secondary tariffs" on China for purchasing Russian oil is a typical case of unilateral bullying and economic coercion, seriously violating the consensus between the leaders of China and the United States, and could cause serious shocks to global trade and supply chain stability. China firmly opposes this. If any party harms China's interests, China will take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.
We hope the U.S. will be cautious and prudent, and work together with China to resolve trade differences through equal dialogue and consultation. At the same time, we also hope relevant parties will uphold their principles and work with China to jointly maintain the world trade order and the safety and stability of the global supply chain.
On the 13th, U.S. President Trump posted on his self-created social media platform "Truth Social," urging NATO members to stop purchasing Russian oil and to impose significant sanctions on Russia. He also demanded that NATO impose tariffs as high as 100% on China, claiming that this would help end the Russia-Ukraine war, arguing that China has "influence" over Russia.
According to the Southern Metropolis Daily, on the 15th, Lin Jian, spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, stated during a regular press conference that China's normal trade and energy cooperation with countries including Russia is just and legitimate, and there is nothing wrong with it. The U.S. approach is a typical case of unilateral bullying and economic coercion, seriously undermining international trade rules and threatening the safety and stability of the global supply chain.
"The facts have proven that coercion and pressure are not popular and cannot solve the problem," Lin Jian pointed out. China's position on the Ukraine crisis has been consistent and clear, and dialogue and negotiation are the only feasible way to resolve the Ukraine crisis. From the first day of the crisis, China has adhered to an objective and fair position, and insisted on promoting peace talks. China firmly opposes some parties constantly referring to China and strongly opposes the illegal unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction imposed on China.
"If China's legitimate rights and interests are harmed, China will resolutely counteract and firmly safeguard its sovereignty, security, and development interests," Lin Jian said.
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