China vows to counter US tariffs over Russian oil

Beijing said on Monday that it will take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests in response to Washington's move to push tariffs on China over Russian oil imports.

The remarks were made after the United States pressured the G7 and the NATO countries to impose additional tariffs on China, citing China's purchase of Russian oil. The move also aimed at exerting pressure on Beijing to play a role in ending the Ukraine conflict.

China firmly opposes any party "using China as a pretext to impose illegal unilateral sanctions or exercise long-arm jurisdiction," Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a regular news briefing.

He emphasized that China's normal economic, trade and energy cooperation with all countries, including Russia, is justified, legitimate and beyond reproach.

Lin described the US actions as "typical unilateral bullying and economic coercion," seriously undermining international trade rules and threatening the safety and stability of global industrial and supply chains.

"Facts have proven that coercion and pressure win no support and cannot solve problems," Lin said. "If the legitimate rights and interests are harmed, China will take resolute countermeasures, firmly safeguarding its sovereignty, security, and development interests."

On the Ukraine crisis, Lin noted that China's position has been consistent and clear, and that dialogue and negotiation are the only viable way to resolve the conflict. "Since the first day of the crisis, China has maintained an objective and impartial stance, consistently promoting peace talks," he added.