China Rejects US Pressure Over Economic Ties With Russia

China has rejected US pressure over its economic cooperation with Russia, saying normal trade relations between countries should not be disrupted or coerced by third parties. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun made the remarks in Beijing on Thursday while responding to a US congressional measure that could authorize tariffs of up to 100 percent on countries purchasing Russian oil and gas, potentially affecting major buyers such as China and India.

Guo said China conducts economic and trade cooperation with other countries on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, emphasizing that such cooperation is not directed against any third party. He also reiterated Beijing’s opposition to what he described as “long-arm jurisdiction” without a basis in international law or authorization from the UN Security Council. The comments came after the US House of Representatives approved the sanctions measure by 262 votes to 159 on Wednesday.

The legislation, which had previously passed the Senate, would target Russian officials, banks and energy and defense sectors while giving the US president authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on major purchasers of Russian oil and gas. Meanwhile, China and Russia have significantly expanded bilateral trade, which exceeded $240 billion in 2024, with much of the trade conducted in their national currencies. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin have repeatedly described bilateral relations as a comprehensive strategic partnership.