China Responds to Trump Tariff Threat, Affirms Trade with Russia 'Legal and Legitimate'

China's Foreign Ministry on Friday remained resolute in its defense of the nation's economic, trade, and energy cooperation with other countries around the globe, including Russia, labeling such connections as "legitimate and legal."

In a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun reiterated Beijing's stance that measures of energy security are pursued based on the country's core interests.

When asked to comment on US President Donald Trump's recent comments hinting at the likelihood of subjecting China to secondary tariffs for buying Russian oil, Guo said, "China's stance on relevant matters is clear and consistent. China's regular economic, trade, and energy cooperation with nations across the globe, including Russia, is legitimate and lawful. We will keep taking reasonable energy security actions on the basis of our national interests.

This Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson statement comes after Trump's suggestion during this week that China may face additional tariffs over the importation of Russian oil.

In a White House press interaction, when questioned regarding possible secondary sanctions against China for buying Russian oil, Trump responded, "It may. I mean, I don't know. I can't say yet, but we did it with India. We're doing it probably with a couple of others. One of them could be China."

On Thursday, Guo Jiakun restated China's strong opposition to the abuse of tariffs, describing the position as "consistent and clear."

When asked about Trump's move to impose an extra 25 percent tariff on India for still buying Russian oil, Guo replied, "China's opposition to the abuse of tariffs is consistent and clear."

This new tariff increase, which is on top of another 25 percent, was issued by Trump on Wednesday, citing India's continued imports of Russian crude as the key reason. It is on top of an earlier 25 percent tariff that became effective on July 20.

India's External Affairs Ministry strongly condemned the US action, terming it "unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable," and emphasized that India's strategic independence and its energy needs need to be respected.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed on Thursday his government's firm commitment to standing with India's farmers, livestock rearers, and fishermen.

Speaking at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in Delhi, he declared, “The interest of farmers is our top priority. India will never compromise with the interests of its farmers, livestock holders, and fishermen. And I know that I will have to pay a huge price for this personally, but I am ready. India is ready, for the sake of the country's farmers, fishermen and livestock holders.”