China has expressed strong disapproval of a proposed U.S. bill that aims to sanction major purchasers of Russian oil and natural gas. The Chinese government has vowed to take all necessary actions to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its enterprises involved in these transactions.
Lin Jian, a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, emphasized the country’s firm opposition to unilateral sanctions that lack the backing of international law or the authorization of the United Nations Security Council. According to Lin, such measures are unjust and not universally recognized, indicating a potential for diplomatic friction between China and the United States.
The U.S. legislative proposal targets the largest global consumers of Russian fossil fuels, a category that includes China. This move comes as part of broader efforts to undermine Russia’s energy sector amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. The proposed sanctions aim to reduce reliance on Russian energy exports, thereby exerting economic pressure on Moscow.
Lin cautioned against the use of double standards and coercive tactics, arguing that they would be ultimately ineffective and counterproductive. China maintains that such unilateral actions are unlawful and reiterates its opposition to them. The spokesperson’s comments underscore the potential for escalating tensions between the U.S. and countries like China, which continue to engage in significant trade with Russia.