China Refuses U.S. Demand to Halt Oil Imports from Russia and Iran
China has firmly rejected a U.S. demand to stop purchasing oil from Russia and Iran, citing national interest and energy security. According to a 2024 report by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, China currently buys approximately 80–90% of Iran’s total oil exports.
The United States has been intensifying pressure on nations that continue to import oil from Russia and Iran, warning that such purchases indirectly support Russia’s military operations in Ukraine and enable Iran to finance terrorist organizations in West Asia. Despite these warnings, China has taken a strong stand, stating it will continue to prioritize its energy needs above external pressure.
In response to the U.S. threat of imposing a 100% tariff on Chinese goods due to ongoing oil trade with Russia and Iran, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday:
“China will always ensure the supply of its energy needs in line with national interest. Pressure and coercion will achieve nothing. China will firmly defend its sovereignty, security, and development interests.”
This statement comes at a sensitive time, as trade agreement negotiations between the U.S. and China are currently underway in Stockholm. Commenting on China’s position, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant remarked,
“China invokes sovereignty when it suits its interests—especially in buying discounted oil from Russia.”
The U.S. has already announced a 25% tariff and penalties on India for continuing oil trade with Russia and Iran, reinforcing its commitment to halting the financial inflows to both countries. The Biden administration believes that cutting off these oil revenues is key to weakening Russia’s military aggression and Iran’s influence in the region.
Experts highlight that China’s continued oil trade with Russia is both strategic and economical. Danny Russell, a senior fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute, noted:
“China’s oil purchases from Russia reflect Xi Jinping’s strategic solidarity with Vladimir Putin, and they also significantly reduce Beijing’s energy costs. China is buying this oil at extremely favorable prices.”
While China is Iran’s top oil buyer, it ranks second after India in imports of Russian seaborne crude. According to the KSE Institute at the Kyiv School of Economics, China’s imports of Russian oil rose by 20% in April 2024 compared to the previous month, reaching over 1.3 million barrels per day.
Despite ongoing talks between Washington and Beijing, the growing energy alliance between China, Russia, and Iran adds further complexity to the already tense geopolitical and trade landscape.
