‘No basis in international law’: China rejects US tariff threat over Russian oil

Beijing has repeatedly opposed unilateral sanctions and has continued economic ties with countries targeted by US sanctions, including Iran. China on Thursday rejected US efforts to pressure countries buying Russian oil and gas, saying its normal trade with other countries should not be subject to interference or coercion by third parties.The response came after the US House of Representatives passed the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The legislation gives US President Donald Trump the power to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries that continue to buy Russian oil and gas, including major buyers such as China and India.Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Beijing opposes sanctions that do not have a basis in international law or authorisation from the UN Security Council."China consistently opposes long-arm jurisdiction that lacks a basis in international law and is not authorised by the United Nations Security Council," Guo said at a media briefing.He said China's trade with other countries was based on equality and mutual benefit.“Such cooperation neither targets any third party nor is subject to interference or coercion fro...