How Is China Responding to Trump's Tariff Threat on Trade with Russia?
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Synopsis
In a strong defense, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs asserts that its trade and energy ties with Russia are both legal and legitimate. This comes in response to President Trump's warnings about potential tariffs on Chinese imports. Read on to understand the implications of this geopolitical situation.
Key Takeaways
- China's trade with Russia is deemed legitimate.
- Trump's tariffs could impact China's oil imports.
- China firmly opposes tariff abuses.
- India defends its energy needs against US tariffs.
- Support for farmers is a priority for India.
Beijing, Aug 8 (NationPress) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China on Friday asserted the nation's economic, trade, and energy partnerships with various countries, including Russia, describing them as legitimate and lawful.
During a routine media briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun reiterated Beijing's commitment to implementing energy security measures aligned with its national interests.
When queried about US President Donald Trump's remarks regarding potential secondary tariffs on China due to Russian oil purchases, Guo stated, "China's stance on relevant matters is unwavering and transparent. Our standard economic, trade, and energy collaborations with countries, including Russia, are legitimate and lawful. We will persist in adopting sensible energy security measures based on our national interests."
This statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry came in the wake of Trump's suggestion earlier this week that China could encounter further tariffs for its Russian oil imports.
When asked by the media at the White House whether secondary sanctions would be levied against China for importing Russian oil, Trump replied: "It may happen. I mean, I don’t know. I can’t tell you yet, but we did it with India. We’re probably going to do it with a few others. One of them could be China."
On Thursday, Guo Jiakun firmly opposed the misuse of tariffs, characterizing it as consistent and clear.
In response to Trump's decision to impose an additional 25 percent tariff on India for its Russian oil purchases, Guo reiterated, "China’s opposition to the misuse of tariffs is consistent and clear."
This latest round of tariffs, an added 25 percent increase, was announced by Trump on Wednesday, citing India's ongoing imports of Russian crude oil as the main reason. This follows a previous 25 percent tariff that took effect on July 20.
Reacting strongly to the US action, India's Ministry of External Affairs labeled the decision as unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable, emphasizing that India's energy needs and strategic autonomy must be honored.
On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed his government's steadfast support for India's farmers, livestock holders, and fishermen.
During his address at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in Delhi on Thursday, he stated, "The interests of farmers are our utmost priority. India will never compromise on the interests of its farmers, livestock holders, and fishermen. I understand that I might have to pay a significant price for this personally, but I am prepared. India is ready, for the sake of the country's farmers, fishermen, and livestock holders."
Point of View
It is essential for China to assert its economic sovereignty and defend its trade relations with Russia amidst external pressures. The consistent opposition to tariffs reflects a broader strategy to maintain energy security while pursuing legitimate economic partnerships. This stance emphasizes the importance of respecting national interests in the face of geopolitical challenges.
NationPress
10/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did China say about its trade with Russia?
China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that its economic, trade, and energy cooperation with Russia is both legitimate and lawful.
How did Trump respond to China's oil imports?
Trump indicated that China might face secondary tariffs due to its imports of Russian oil, stating, 'It may happen.'
What is China's position on tariffs?
China opposes the misuse of tariffs, maintaining that its stance is consistent and clear.
What was India's reaction to the tariffs?
India's Ministry of External Affairs called the tariffs unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.
What did Modi say about farmers' interests?
Modi reiterated that the interests of farmers, livestock holders, and fishermen are India's top priority.
