China has labeled the United States' urging of G7 and NATO allies to slap tariffs on countries importing Russian oil as "unilateral bullying" and "economic coercion." The sharp criticism came on Monday, with Beijing warning of firm countermeasures if the proposal gains traction, amid ongoing US-China economic talks in Spain.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, during a regular briefing, defended China's energy dealings with Russia as "legitimate, lawful, and above reproach." He dismissed the US initiative as a threat to global trade rules and supply chain stability, stating, "Coercion and pressure are unpopular and will not solve the problem." Lin emphasized China's consistent stance on the Ukraine crisis, advocating for dialogue and negotiation as the only path forward.

The US push follows President Donald Trump's Saturday statement, where he called for 50 to 100 percent tariffs on China and other nations to halt Russian oil purchases, aiming to pressure Moscow to end the Ukraine war. Treasury Secretary Bessent echoed this during a G7 finance ministers' call, urging collective action without naming specific targets. However, the US has previously targeted India and China for their Russian oil imports, imposing 50 percent tariffs on New Delhi, including 25 percent linked to such purchases.

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Lin highlighted China's impartial position since the Ukraine conflict's outset, promoting peace talks while opposing "unlawful unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction." He noted that widespread trade with Russia persists among US and European nations, and Sino-Russian business complies with WTO rules, market principles, and avoids third-party targeting. "If our legitimate rights are harmed, China will take resolute countermeasures to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and development interests," Lin affirmed.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi reinforced this on Saturday, arguing that "war cannot solve problems and sanctions only complicate them." The timing of the US proposal coincides with the second day of US-China economic and trade discussions in Spain, underscoring the fragility of bilateral ties.

This escalation reflects broader US efforts to isolate Russia economically, but China's response signals potential retaliation that could disrupt global energy markets. With major importers like India and China continuing Russian oil buys to secure affordable energy amid volatile prices, the tariff threat risks fragmenting alliances and heightening trade tensions. Analysts warn that such measures could backfire, strengthening BRICS cooperation and accelerating de-dollarization trends, further straining the already fraught US-China relationship.

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