China on Thursday rejected the US “long-arm jurisdiction” to impose tariffs on purchases of Russian oil and gas, saying its normal trade and economic cooperation with other countries should not be subject to interference or coercion by third parties.
The US House of Representatives passed the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act 2026 that authorises Trump to impose sanctions on Russia and steep tariffs on its leading trading partners such as India and China. The legislation passed 262-159 and now goes to President Donald Trump.
Asked about the bill, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a media briefing here that China opposes any action that lacks UN Security Council authorisation.
"China consistently opposes long-arm jurisdiction that lacks a basis in international law and is not authorised by the United Nations Security Council," Guo said.
Beijing says trade should not face third-party pressure
He said that China has always carried out normal economic and trade cooperation with countries around the world based on equality and mutual benefit.
“Such cooperation neither targets any third party nor is subject to interference or coercion from any third party”, he said.
Beijing has repeatedly opposed unilateral sanctions. It also defied US sanctions against buying oil from Iran.
China remains major buyer of Russian oil and gas
China, along with India, is one of the largest buyers of oil and gas from Russia. Much of China's imports are transported through pipelines crossing its land border.
According to official data, China’s imports of Russian oil and gas amounted to USD 64 billion last year, and its imports from January to August this year crossed over USD 70 billion.
US bill gives Trump tariff powers
The bill passed by the US Senate last month, was approved by the House in a 262-159 vote on Wednesday and will now go to Trump to be signed into law.
It aims to punish Russia for continuing the war against Ukraine. The legislation would allow tariffs of up to 100 per cent on major purchasers of Russian oil or gas, including countries such as China and India, subject to provisions and exemptions in the bill.