China on Thursday defended its oil imports from Russia as legitimate and lawful, warning the US that it would take “firm countermeasures” if it imposed unilateral sanctions affecting Beijing’s interests.
The US’ approach amounted to unilateral bullying and economic coercion, which severely undermines international trade rules and threatens the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a media briefing in Beijing.
Lin said China has always maintained an objective and fair stance on the Ukraine crisis, and its policy is open and above board for all to see. “We firmly oppose the US’ action of directing the issue at China, and we strongly oppose imposing illegal unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction on China,” he said. “If China’s legitimate rights and interests are harmed, we will take firm countermeasures to safeguard our sovereignty, development, and security interests,” Lin said.
‘US stoking tensions over rare earths’
Meanwhile, China also accused the US of stoking panic over its rare earth controls. “The US’ interpretation seriously distorts and exaggerates China’s (rare earths export control) measures, deliberately stirring up unnecessary misunderstanding and panic, He Yongqian, a commerce ministry spokesperson, told a news conference. “Provided the export licence applications are compliant and intended for civilian use, they will be approved,” she added.
Beijing’s expanded rare earths export controls left trade negotiators and analysts the world over wondering whether China intends to require manufacturers of any product anywhere in the world containing even trace amounts of Chinese rare earths to apply for a licence to ship it to its final destination.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on Wednesday called China’s new measures “a global supply-chain power grab,” and said that he expected Beijing not to implement them, while Bessent suggested another extension to the current 90-day tariff truce-which is set to expire around November 9 -could be possible.
He Yongqian said that was not the case.
The Chinese side maintains it not only notified the US before announcing the new regime, but that the controls are also consistent with measures long in place in other major economies.
