China's Foreign Ministry justified its imports of Russian oil on Aug. 8, suggesting Beijing will continue to purchase oil from Moscow despite U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff threats.
"It is legitimate and lawful for China to conduct normal economic, trade and energy cooperation with all countries around the world, including Russia," China's Foreign Ministry said in response to question about Russian oil purchases posed by Bloomberg.
"We will continue to adopt reasonable energy security measures in accordance with our national interests," the statement added.
Trump has warned in recent days that unless Moscow agrees on a ceasefire before Aug. 8., further purchases could trigger punitive measures, including tariffs of up to 100% on Chinese exports to the U.S.
Despite the deadline Trump has seemingly postponed their implementation, instead, agreeing to an in-person meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Aug. 15 in Alaska.
In an attempt to exert additional pressure on Moscow's war machine, the U.S. president imposed a 50% tariff on imports from India in response to New Delhi's continued purchase of Russian oil.
Bloomberg reported on Aug. 8 that Russian oil companies have already begun redirecting shipments of Urals crude from India to China after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed new tariffs.
Beijing previously said on Aug. 4 that the country will secure its energy supplies based on national interests despite the threats.
The new tariffs are part of a broader effort to squeeze Russia's oil revenues, which account for roughly one-third of its federal budget and are vital to funding its war.
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