China Slams Trump's Tariff Threat over Russian Oil; Decries US Appeal to NATO
| 2025-09-15
China Slams Trump's Tariff Threat over Russian Oil; Decries US Appeal to Nato
U.S. President Donald Trump calls on NATO members to cease Russian oil purchases as China rebuts proposed tariffs over its energy dealings.
U.S. President Donald Trump has urged NATO countries to halt purchases of Russian oil and impose significant sanctions on Moscow in an effort to conclude the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. His comments came via a post on his social media platform on Saturday, where he expressed disappointment in the alliance's commitment to the war effort.
Trump argued that the continuation of Russian oil purchases by some NATO members diminishes their negotiating strength regarding Russia. He stated, "It greatly weakens your negotiating position and bargaining power over Russia," suggesting that an end to these purchases could lead to a swift resolution of the conflict.
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the war has intensified, and Trump believes that imposing tariffs of between 50% and 100% on China may also contribute to ending hostilities. He commented that significant tariffs would disrupt China's influence over Russia, stating, "China has a strong control, and even grip, over Russia, and these powerful tariffs will break that grip."
China's Response
In response to Trump's remarks, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made it clear that China does not engage in or endorse war, highlighting that resolving issues through dialogue is paramount. Speaking at a press conference in Ljubljana, Slovenia, he stated, "Wars cannot solve problems and sanctions only complicate them," reinforcing China's commitment to peace negotiations.
Wang Yi also called for strengthening multilateral cooperation and adhering to the principles set forth by the United Nations. He expressed a desire for China and Europe to work together rather than against each other in today's turbulent international climate.
NATO's Oil Purchasing Patterns
According to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, Turkey ranks as one of the most significant purchasers of Russian oil within NATO, alongside China and India. Additional NATO members such as Hungary and Slovakia are also involved in oil transactions with Russia, which has raised concerns among allies regarding their commitment to united action against Russia.
Trump's letter is timely given rising tensions following recent incidents involving Russian drones that entered Polish airspace, which NATO allies intercepted. Trump downplayed this incursion, suggesting it may have been accidental, but reiterated the U.S. commitment to defend every inch of NATO territory during an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
In a show of solidarity, the UK government took steps to penalise Russian oil trade by banning 70 vessels allegedly involved in the transportation of oil and sanctioning 30 companies and individuals associated with supplying Russia.
Tariff Implications on Global Trade
Previously, Trump has imposed tariffs of up to 25% on imports from countries perceived as supporting Russia through energy purchases, with India already facing a 50% import tax. While Trump has indicated a willingness to negotiate with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the prospect of harsher tariffs on China could complicate diplomatic relations.
Earlier this year, a substantial rise in tariffs was seen, with Trump's administration imposing duties up to 145% on various Chinese goods, leading to retaliatory measures by Beijing. Negotiations eventually resulted in a decrease of these tariffs to a still-high 30% from the U.S. side, with China lowering its tariffs to 10%.
Bipartisan Discourse in the U.S
Trump’s recent proposals build upon discussions among G7 finance ministers, who called for a united approach to undermine the financial resources that support Russia's military actions. Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne described the G7 meeting as productive, yet he acknowledged there remains much work to do to curtail Russia's warfare capability.
Champagne's remarks indicated a consensus among G7 nations on the urgency of further actions to pressure Moscow in the coming weeks.
In his post, Trump shifted blame for the ongoing conflict towards Democratic President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy but notably excluded Russian President Vladimir Putin from his criticisms. Such comments have revived Trump’s previous allegations against Xi Jinping regarding conspiratorial intent against the U.S.
The exchanges reveal the escalating geopolitical tensions amid the ongoing war and highlight the critical importance of international cooperation in addressing energy dependence and conflict resolution.
Conclusion
As NATO countries navigate their energy strategies amid the war in Ukraine, Trump's insistence on a unified stance against Russian oil sales and potential tariffs on China illustrates the complexities of global diplomacy in the modern era. The ripple effects of these discussions may significantly impact both political alliances and economic fortunes around the world.
Trump argued that the continuation of Russian oil purchases by some NATO members diminishes their negotiating strength regarding Russia. He stated, "It greatly weakens your negotiating position and bargaining power over Russia," suggesting that an end to these purchases could lead to a swift resolution of the conflict.
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the war has intensified, and Trump believes that imposing tariffs of between 50% and 100% on China may also contribute to ending hostilities. He commented that significant tariffs would disrupt China's influence over Russia, stating, "China has a strong control, and even grip, over Russia, and these powerful tariffs will break that grip."
China's Response
In response to Trump's remarks, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made it clear that China does not engage in or endorse war, highlighting that resolving issues through dialogue is paramount. Speaking at a press conference in Ljubljana, Slovenia, he stated, "Wars cannot solve problems and sanctions only complicate them," reinforcing China's commitment to peace negotiations.
Wang Yi also called for strengthening multilateral cooperation and adhering to the principles set forth by the United Nations. He expressed a desire for China and Europe to work together rather than against each other in today's turbulent international climate.
NATO's Oil Purchasing Patterns
According to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, Turkey ranks as one of the most significant purchasers of Russian oil within NATO, alongside China and India. Additional NATO members such as Hungary and Slovakia are also involved in oil transactions with Russia, which has raised concerns among allies regarding their commitment to united action against Russia.
Trump's letter is timely given rising tensions following recent incidents involving Russian drones that entered Polish airspace, which NATO allies intercepted. Trump downplayed this incursion, suggesting it may have been accidental, but reiterated the U.S. commitment to defend every inch of NATO territory during an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
In a show of solidarity, the UK government took steps to penalise Russian oil trade by banning 70 vessels allegedly involved in the transportation of oil and sanctioning 30 companies and individuals associated with supplying Russia.
Tariff Implications on Global Trade
Previously, Trump has imposed tariffs of up to 25% on imports from countries perceived as supporting Russia through energy purchases, with India already facing a 50% import tax. While Trump has indicated a willingness to negotiate with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the prospect of harsher tariffs on China could complicate diplomatic relations.
Earlier this year, a substantial rise in tariffs was seen, with Trump's administration imposing duties up to 145% on various Chinese goods, leading to retaliatory measures by Beijing. Negotiations eventually resulted in a decrease of these tariffs to a still-high 30% from the U.S. side, with China lowering its tariffs to 10%.
Bipartisan Discourse in the U.S
Trump’s recent proposals build upon discussions among G7 finance ministers, who called for a united approach to undermine the financial resources that support Russia's military actions. Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne described the G7 meeting as productive, yet he acknowledged there remains much work to do to curtail Russia's warfare capability.
Champagne's remarks indicated a consensus among G7 nations on the urgency of further actions to pressure Moscow in the coming weeks.
In his post, Trump shifted blame for the ongoing conflict towards Democratic President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy but notably excluded Russian President Vladimir Putin from his criticisms. Such comments have revived Trump’s previous allegations against Xi Jinping regarding conspiratorial intent against the U.S.
The exchanges reveal the escalating geopolitical tensions amid the ongoing war and highlight the critical importance of international cooperation in addressing energy dependence and conflict resolution.
Conclusion
As NATO countries navigate their energy strategies amid the war in Ukraine, Trump's insistence on a unified stance against Russian oil sales and potential tariffs on China illustrates the complexities of global diplomacy in the modern era. The ripple effects of these discussions may significantly impact both political alliances and economic fortunes around the world.
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