China warns NATO of tough retaliation over potential tariffs on Russian oil imports

China will take decisive countermeasures if NATO countries, under pressure from the United States, attempt to impose tariffs on the People’s Republic of China under the pretext of purchasing Russian oil.

The statement was made by spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lin Jian, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

During the briefing, he emphasized that China’s normal trade, economic, and energy cooperation with countries around the world, including Russia, is lawful and beyond reproach, commenting on the possibility of tariffs being imposed by G7 and NATO countries on China for importing Russian oil.

The spokesman stated that if China’s legitimate rights and interests were violated, it would resolutely take countermeasures and firmly safeguard its sovereignty, security, and development interests.

The Chinese diplomat also clarified that the actions of the United States, which are attempting to pressure the European Union, are “a typical example of unilateral intimidation and economic coercion.”

He noted that Washington’s behavior “seriously undermines international trade rules and threatens the security and stability of global production and supply chains.”

Earlier, US President Donald Trump asserted that the European sanctions imposed on Russia are “insufficiently stringent.” He had previously indicated his readiness to implement “robust” anti-Russian measures should NATO members collectively cease their oil purchases from Russia. Additionally, Trump advocated for alliance members to levy import tariffs ranging from 50% to 100% on goods originating from China.

By Vafa Guliyeva