China Rejects US Sanctions Bill Targeting Russian Oil Buyers as Unlawful
China's Foreign Ministry pushed back on a US House bill that would allow tariffs of up to 100 percent on major buyers of Russian oil and gas, including China.
China on Thursday rejected a US sanctions bill aimed at buyers of Russian oil and gas, saying it opposes long-arm jurisdiction that has no basis in international law and lacks authorization from the UN Security Council.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun made the remarks at a regular press briefing in Beijing, responding to a question about the US House of Representatives passing a sanctions bill against Russia a day earlier. The legislation would authorize President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on major buyers of Russian oil and gas, with China among the potential targets.
Guo said China has consistently conducted normal economic and trade cooperation with other countries on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. Such cooperation, he said, does not target any third party and should not be subject to interference or coercion by any third party.
"We oppose long-arm jurisdiction that lacks a basis in international law and has not been authorized by the UN Security Council," Guo said.
The remarks signal Beijing's opposition to the proposed US measure, which could affect countries purchasing Russian energy supplies. The bill has passed the House and would need further approval before taking effect.