China says opposes US sanctions bill targeting Russia energy buyers

China said on Wednesday it “firmly opposes” a sanctions bill
proposed by United States senators and supported by President
Donald Trump that targets countries buying Russian energy,
AzerNEWS reports, citing Tribune.

The bipartisan legislation could potentially clear the way for
the US to exert stronger pressure on Russia over its war in
Ukraine. US senators spearheading the bill said in a joint
statement last week that they expected to unveil the updated
legislation “very soon”.

China, among the biggest buyers of Russian oil, hit back on
Wednesday, accusing Washington of using “double standards and
coercion”.

“China firmly opposes illegal unilateral sanctions that have no
basis in international law and are not authorised by the UN
Security Council,” foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a
news briefing. “China will take all necessary measures to
resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its
enterprises and citizens,” he said.

The legislation would give the president authority to impose
tariffs and sanctions on countries that continue purchasing Russian
energy, a crucial source of revenue for Moscow’s war effort.

The US Senators have not released details of the latest version
of the bill, which they said on Friday had been agreed with
Trump.

An earlier proposal envisioned tariffs of up to 500% on imports
from countries purchasing Russian oil, gas, uranium and other
products.

The agreement follows signs that Trump has become increasingly
frustrated with Moscow’s failure to negotiate an end to the
conflict, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine
in February 2022. But administration support could remove the most
significant political obstacle to a bill that has been under
negotiation for months and has attracted backing from lawmakers in
both parties – though its swift passage is not guaranteed.

Among the bills supporters, was the late Lindsey Graham, who was
a staunch supporter of Ukraine in its fight against Russia, as well
as Republican Roger Wicker and Democrats Richard Blumenthal and
Jeanne Shaheen.

The White House did not immediately comment publicly on the
agreement.