China on Thursday defended its decision to keep buying Russian oil and condemned what it called the United States’ “unilateral bullying,” as trade tensions between both countries deepened.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised to stop buying Russian oil and that he would pressure China to do the same. Trump accused both countries of funding Russia’s war in Ukraine through oil purchases and demanded that European allies immediately end their imports from Moscow. India declined to confirm or deny any policy shift.
When reporters asked about Trump’s comments, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Beijing conducts “normal and legitimate economic, trade, and energy cooperation” with other nations, including Russia. Lin accused Washington of bullying other countries through economic coercion and warned that China would “take firm countermeasures” if the U.S. hurt its interests.
China and Russia maintain close trade ties. Beijing has avoided condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and continues to trade heavily with Moscow. Western governments and Kyiv accuse China of giving Russia political and economic support.
READ ALSO:US, China impose new port fees amidst trade tensions
Beijing also criticised new U.S. export controls and port fees on Chinese vessels, saying the actions harm trade relations and trust between the two powers. Lin said the measures have a “profoundly detrimental impact” on ongoing discussions aimed at stabilising relations.
Although tensions have eased slightly this year, both sides continue to clash over trade and technology. After Beijing imposed new restrictions on rare earth exports, Trump announced that the U.S. would impose 100 per cent tariffs on Chinese goods starting November 1.
The U.S. government began enforcing port fees on Chinese-built and operated ships in April, following a “Section 301” investigation that found China’s dominance in shipping unfair to American interests. In response, Beijing imposed its own “special port fees” on American ships entering Chinese ports. Both sets of fees took effect Tuesday.
Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson He Yongqian said Washington ignored Beijing’s efforts to resolve trade disputes, inflicting “severe damage to China’s interests.” She called on the U.S. to reverse its recent measures and honour previous trade discussions.
He urged Washington to stop what she called “erroneous practices” and show sincerity in rebuilding trust between both nations.
