China Rejects U.S. Bill Targeting Russian Energy Purchasers

China’s foreign ministry denounced a U.S. Senate proposal that would impose up to 100% tariffs on the top buyers of Russian oil and gas, including China and India. A spokesperson said the measure violates international law and lacks United Nations Security Council approval, and warned Beijing will take “necessary measures” to protect its firms and citizens.

The legislation, originally introduced by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, would allow the U.S. president to levy the steep duties and is intended to further choke revenue to the Kremlin. China, the world’s largest importer of Russian crude by sea, called the move “economic coercion” and hinted at possible retaliatory trade actions, citing its ability to use tariffs and export restrictions as leverage.