Anna Hartz
China Refuses U.S. Demands to Stop Buying Russian and Iranian Oil
Energy prices around the world have been unstable for years. Countries are trying to lock in supplies to avoid shortages.
For China, keeping the lights on and the economy moving is a top priority. That is why Beijing is pushing back against pressure from the United States to stop buying oil from Russia and Iran, according to WP.
Threats of 100% Tariffs
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said this week that China will continue to secure its energy needs.
Officials said they would do so in a way that protects the country’s national interests. These comments came just two days after trade talks with U.S. officials in Stockholm.
The U.S. government has threatened to place 100 percent tariffs on Chinese goods. The goal is to force Beijing to stop purchasing oil from Russia and Iran.
China responded by saying that pressure and threats will not work. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that the country will defend its own security, sovereignty, and development goals.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent spoke after the talks. He said China sees the issue of buying Russian oil as part of its sovereign rights.
He added that the U.S. does not want to challenge that, but tariffs will still be applied if China does not change course. Even so, Bessent said he still sees room for an agreement between the two countries.
No Hope
The U.S. wants to reduce oil revenue flowing to Russia and Iran. Officials say this would cut funding for military actions in Ukraine and the Middle East.
That is why they are asking other countries to limit purchases from those two nations.
China does not seem moved by those arguments. Experts believe Beijing sees itself as having the stronger position in these negotiations.
One analyst from the Asia Society Policy Institute said rejecting U.S. demands probably will not stop progress in other trade areas.
India, another major buyer of Russian oil, has shown more flexibility. Leaders in New Delhi said they might stop buying from Moscow if the U.S. imposes sanctions. But China shows no sign of backing down.
