China condemns US bill targeting buyers of Russian energy, MFA says

China strongly opposes a US sanctions bill targeting the largest purchasers of Russian oil and gas, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian has stated.

Speaking at a press briefing, he said China firmly opposes illegal unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law and are not authorised by the UN Security Council, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

He noted that Beijing would take all necessary measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.

Earlier reports indicated that an updated version of the sanctions bill would reduce the tariffs that could be imposed on third countries purchasing Russian oil and gas to 100% for the five largest buyers, down from the 500% proposed in the original draft.

The revised legislation also reportedly includes exemptions for countries that import less than 15% of their total oil and gas supplies from Russia and are taking "substantial steps" to reduce such imports.

In addition, the amended bill would grant US President Donald Trump the authority to waive the sanctions if he determines that doing so serves US national interests.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov