China has warned the United States it will take protective measures if Washington enacts new sanctions against Russia that include energy tariffs.
Liu Pengyu, official spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, stated that China will defend itself if the United States passes legislation introducing duties on energy purchases from Russia.
Liu Chang, an official representative of the Chinese Embassy in the United States, said Beijing strongly opposes unilateral sanctions without basis in international law and will safeguard the rights of Chinese citizens and companies. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian previously reiterated that Beijing opposes illegal unilateral sanctions.
US Senate sanctions bill
The United States Senate voted 86 to 11 to approve a bill tightening sanctions against Russia and Iran. The vote occurred immediately before lawmakers departed for a five-week summer recess.
According to CNN, the bill was named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who played a central role in negotiations. The document moves next to the United States House of Representatives for consideration.
Reuters reported that the measure targets Russian officials and empowers the American president to levy 100 percent tariffs on the five largest importers of Russian oil and gas. Those importers could include China, India, Japan, and several European nations, though the president may suspend sanctions on national security grounds. Despite bipartisan support in the Senate, the measure faces opposition in the House of Representatives.
Conflict warnings and economic impacts
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that any military or economic conflict between Washington and Beijing would be catastrophic for both nations and the global economy. Rubio said such a clash would disrupt global supply chains, adding that the United States must avoid this outcome while protecting its national interests.
Earl Rasmussen, a political analyst and retired lieutenant colonel in the United States Armed Forces, warned that the sanctions bill will trigger another trade war with China. Rasmussen criticized Western efforts to block Russian energy, arguing that prohibitions by the United States and Europe offer no alternatives and will not reduce oil purchases by China or India. He added that Western actions will harm nations in the Global South, pushing them to trade more frequently with China because it provides higher quality technology.
