- China criticized sweeping new US sanctions legislation targeting Russia that could also have a major impact on Beijing, one of the largest buyers of Russian energy.
- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said China maintains "normal economic and trade relations with all countries in the world on the basis of equality and mutual benefit."
- Guo said such cooperation was not directed against any third party, adding that these countries should neither interfere nor exert pressure.
- China also opposes the extraterritorial application of laws that have no basis in international law and have not been authorized by the UN Security Council, Guo said.
China has sharply criticized new US sanctions legislation that could impose tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil, including itself.
The legislation, recently approved by Congress, aims to restrict Russia's financing of its war against Ukraine.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stated that China maintains "normal economic and trade relations with all countries in the world on the basis of equality and mutual benefit." He emphasized that such cooperation is not directed against any third party and criticized the extraterritorial application of laws lacking international legal basis.23
The US House of Representatives passed the legislation, which now awaits President Donald Trump's signature.
The measure includes direct sanctions against Russian officials and companies, as well as targeting Russian oil and gas exports.
China and India, both significant buyers of Russian energy, could face substantial impacts from these measures, which aim to limit Russia's ability to finance its military actions.
Guo Jiakun reiterated that countries should not interfere or exert pressure on others regarding their trade relations, highlighting China's stance against unilateral sanctions.
“Guo Jiakun said China maintains 'normal economic and trade relations' based on equality and mutual benefit, and that such cooperation is not directed against any third party. He also opposed extraterritorial application of laws lacking UN Security Council authorization.”
