China Defends 'Legitimate' Purchases of Russian Oil

Beijing pushed back on the notion that the U.S. is considering secondary tariffs against China for purchasing Russian oil, saying it has a right to buy Russian energy.

“It is legitimate and lawful for China to engage in economic, trade and energy cooperation with other countries, including Russia,” a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said during an Aug. 8 press conference. “We will continue to take energy supply measures that are right for China based on our national interests.”

The spokesperson’s comments came two days after the U.S. announced it planned to impose additional tariffs against Indian goods because India continues to import Russian oil (see 2508060018).