China pushes back at US pressure over Russian oil: ‘If our rights are harmed…’

China defended its legal and legitimate oil imports from Russia on Thursday, threatening to take “firm countermeasures” if the US adopted unilateral sanctions that would harm Beijing’s interests. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a media briefing here that the US’s strategy amounted to unilateral bullying and economic pressure, which seriously violates international trade regulations and jeopardizes the security and stability of global supply chains and industry.

In response to a query about US President Donald Trump’s assertion that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised him not to purchase oil from Russia and that it was now time for China to follow suit, Lin stated that China’s regular trade and energy cooperation with nations worldwide, including Russia, is valid and legal.

Trump told reporters in Washington on Wednesday that the US was “not happy” about India’s purchase of Russian crude, arguing such imports helped finance President Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine.

“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,” he said.

Trump told reporters in Washington on Wednesday that the US was “not happy” about India’s purchase of Russian crude, arguing such imports helped finance President Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine.

“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,” he said.

Lin said China has always maintained an objective and fair stance on the Ukraine crisis, and its policy is open and above board for all to see.

“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,” he said.

“If China’s legitimate rights and interests are harmed, we will take firm countermeasures to safeguard our sovereignty, development, and security interests,” Lin said.

India is the second-largest buyer of Russian fossil fuels behind China, according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).

According to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), India is the world’s second-largest consumer of Russian fossil fuels, after China.

China purchases 60% of Russian energy, according to a recent statement by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. In addition to oil, Russia imports the majority of its gas through cross-border pipelines.
Lin responded that the actions are consistent with global standard practice in response to Bessent’s remarks that Beijing’s restrictions on rare earth exports amounted to “China versus the world” and that the US will consult with its allies to plan a “fulsome group response.”

Asked whether China would hold a new round of economic and trade talks before the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in South Korea, he said Beijing has always maintained an open attitude toward equal consultations based on mutual respect.