Following former US President Donald Trump’s call for NATO countries to impose tariffs ranging from 50% to 100% on China to halt the purchase of Russian oil, China strongly refuted the proposal. China asserted that it does not initiate or participate in any wars, highlighting its stance against the conflict. Notably, China is a key buyer of Russian oil.
During a joint news conference in Ljubljana, Slovenia, Wang Yi, speaking with his Slovenian counterpart, declared that war is not a solution and sanctions only complicate matters. In a letter addressed to NATO members and the international community, Trump advocated for substantial sanctions against Russia, provided all NATO nations agreed and stopped purchasing Russian oil. Trump expressed concern over NATO’s perceived lack of commitment and the ongoing purchase of Russian oil by some, which he argued diminished their leverage. He indicated his readiness to act if there was a consensus.
While the US had previously imposed a 50% tariff on India for its Russian oil purchases, it has not yet taken similar action against China, despite Beijing’s close relationship with Moscow. The US has been urging G7 countries, including several NATO members, to intensify pressure on Russia by imposing tariffs on India and China, both major purchasers of Russian oil.
US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent told the G7 Finance Ministers that only a collective effort to choke off the revenue fueling Putin’s war could generate sufficient economic pressure to cease the violence.