China has defended its oil imports from Russia as legitimate and in line with international law, cautioning the United States against imposing unilateral sanctions that could harm Beijing’s interests.
The warning came as Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian criticized Washington’s actions as “unilateral bullying and economic coercion” that undermine global trade norms and threaten the stability of international supply chains.
Speaking at a media briefing in Beijing, Lin reaffirmed China’s neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict, stating that its policy remains “objective, fair, and transparent.” He said Beijing “firmly opposes” the U.S. targeting China over its cooperation with Russia and rejects “illegal unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction.”
Lin warned that if China’s legitimate rights and interests were infringed upon, the country would take “firm countermeasures” to safeguard its sovereignty, development, and security interests.
In a separate development, China accused the U.S. of “deliberately stirring up misunderstanding and panic” over its newly expanded export controls on rare earth elements.
Commerce Ministry spokesperson He Yongqian said Washington’s interpretation “seriously distorts and exaggerates” China’s measures. She clarified that export licence applications would be approved if they meet compliance requirements and are intended for civilian use.
Beijing’s tighter rare earths controls have sparked concern among global trade experts, who fear the rules could require manufacturers worldwide to obtain export licences for products containing even trace amounts of Chinese rare earth materials.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer described China’s new measures as “a global supply-chain power grab” and urged Beijing not to enforce them. Discussions continue over whether to extend the current 90-day tariff truce between the two nations, which is set to expire in November.
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