China Rejects US Tariffs Threat Over Russian Oil Purchases

China has warned against linking tariffs to Russian oil purchases, saying it will not accept 'long-arm jurisdiction' or interference in its normal trade and economic cooperation. This warning comes after the US House of Representatives passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act 2026, which authorises President Donald Trump to impose sanctions on Russia and steep tariffs on major buyers of Russian energy.

The legislation, already passed by the US Senate, cleared the House in a 262-159 vote and will now go to Trump for his signature. China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Beijing opposes measures that lack authorisation from the UN Security Council.

China rejects unilateral sanctions and has continued to purchase Iranian oil despite US sanctions. The country is among the biggest buyers of Russian oil and gas, with much of its imports transported through pipelines across its land border.