The US warned China about the imposition of high tariffs for purchasing Russian oil. This was reported by Reuters.
According to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, during the conclusion of trade negotiations, he warned Chinese officials about the threat of high tariff payments if they continue to purchase Russian oil under the sanctions bill currently being considered in Congress.
"I believe any party purchasing sanctioned Russian oil should be prepared for this," Bessent said at a press briefing.
Reuters reported that Bessent expressed dissatisfaction with China's sale of over $15 billion worth of dual-use goods and technologies to Russia. "I told Chinese officials that this is seriously damaging their reputation in Europe, as they are contributing to the war on Europe's borders," Bessent said.
According to the US Treasury Secretary, Chinese officials responded by stating that the PRC is a sovereign state and that oil purchases are based on the country's domestic policy.
"The Chinese take their sovereignty very seriously. We do not want to infringe on it, which is why they are prepared to pay a 100% tariff," Bessent added.
According to Reuters, China is the largest buyer of Russian oil, purchasing nearly two million barrels per day. India and Turkey follow in recent rankings.
