The Chinese govt on Wednesday responded to Donald Trump’s threat of heavy tariff for purchasing Russian oil, saying it prioritises the country’s energy security over trade deals. This comes after US threatened 100% tariff on countries that buy Russian oil.
US president Donald Trump on Wednesday announced that apart from 25% tariff on Indian imports, he will also announced a ‘penalty’ for continuing to purchase Russian weapons and energy. At the same time, US has also issued the same threat to China, saying that countries that buy Russian oil should be ready for 100% tariff.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Tuesday said he warned Chinese officials that if China continues purchasing sanctioned Russian oil, it will big tariffs due to legislation in Congress. He said that the legislation in the U.S. Congress will authorise Trump to levy tariffs up to 500% on countries that purchase sanctioned Russian oil.
Response to U.S. suggestion that it will significantly raise tariffs if China continues to purchase Russian oil:
— CHINA MFA Spokesperson 中国外交部发言人 (@MFA_China) July 30, 2025
China will always ensure its energy supply in ways that serve our national interests. Tariff wars have no winners. Coercion and pressuring will not achieve anything.… pic.twitter.com/MsvVMYNfv2
However, China has now defied this threat, saying it will continue to buy Russian Oil. A statement by the Chinese External Affairs Ministry posted on X said, “Response to U.S. suggestion that it will significantly raise tariffs if China continues to purchase Russian oil: China will always ensure its energy supply in ways that serve our national interests.”
The Chinese govt added, “Tariff wars have no winners. Coercion and pressuring will not achieve anything. China will firmly defend its sovereignty, security and development interests.”
