On Thursday, Beijing firmly rejected the United States’ assertion of “long-arm jurisdiction” to impose tariffs on Russian oil and gas purchases. The Chinese government emphasized that its trade and economic cooperation with other nations should remain free from interference or coercion by external parties. This statement reflects China’s ongoing commitment to maintaining its economic relationships without external pressures.
The US House of Representatives passed the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act 2026 that authorises Trump to impose sanctions on Russia and steep tariffs on its leading trading partners such as India and China.
Asked about the bill, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a media briefing here that China opposes any action that lacks UN Security Council authorisation. “China consistently opposes long-arm jurisdiction that lacks a basis in international law and is not authorised by the United Nations Security Council,” Guo said. He said that China has always carried out normal economic and trade cooperation with countries around the world based on equality and mutual benefit.
China’s imports of Russian oil and gas amounted to USD 64 billion last year, and its imports from January to August this year crossed over USD 70 billion, according to official data. Earlier reporting noted: US House passes Russia sanctions bill: India faces new 100% tariff risk over Russian oil Washington: The US House of Representatives has passed a Russia sanctions bill that gives President Donald Trump a legal route to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian oil and gas. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 passed the House by 262-159 on September 16. Earlier reporting noted: The legislation does not automatically impose a 100% tariff on Indian goods. It gives the US president the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods from countries that fall under the conditions set out in the bill.
India and China are among the major buyers of Russian energy and have therefore been identified as countries that could face the new tariff power. Reuters reported that the legislation targets Russia’s energy and defence sectors, its financial system and the so-called shadow fleet of tankers used to move Russian oil while avoiding Western restrictions.
“Such cooperation neither targets any third party nor is subject to interference or coercion from any third party”, he said. It has put India among the countries that could face another round of US trade pressure. The bill had cleared the Senate and now goes to Trump for his signature.
Earlier reporting noted: The Lindsey O.
The bill passed by the US Senate last month, was approved by the House in a 262-159 vote on Wednesday and will now go to Trump to be signed into law.
