BEIJING – China on Thursday defended its purchases of Russian oil as “legitimate” and criticised the United States for “unilateral bullying” amid rising tensions over trade and energy policies.
The statement came after former US President Donald Trump said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised to stop buying Russian oil, and claimed he would pressure China to do the same. Trump accused China and India of funding Russia’s war in Ukraine through their oil imports.
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Beijing’s foreign ministry said its energy and trade cooperation with Russia is normal and legitimate. Spokesman Lin Jian warned that if China’s interests are harmed, it would take “firm countermeasures” to protect its sovereignty.
China and Russia are close trading partners, and Beijing has never condemned Russia’s war or called for troop withdrawal. Western nations, however, have accused China of supporting Moscow politically and economically.
Beijing also criticised recent US export controls and port fees on Chinese ships, calling the measures “profoundly detrimental” to trade talks. Commerce ministry spokeswoman He Yongqian said Washington’s actions ignored China’s efforts in negotiations and caused severe damage to Chinese interests.
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Commerce Minister Wang Wentao told Apple CEO Tim Cook that stability in China-US trade requires cooperation from both sides. He reiterated that China welcomes foreign investment and remains open to global firms.
The tensions follow a series of trade penalties and countermeasures, including tariffs and special port fees imposed by both countries. Analysts say the dispute highlights the fragile nature of the US-China trade relationship despite recent efforts to ease tensions.