China Ignores U.S. Demand To End Russian, Iranian Oil Purchases

U.S. and Chinese officials may be able to resolve many of their differences to reach a trade deal and avert punishing tariffs, but they remain far apart on one issue—the U.S. demand that China stop purchasing oil from Iran and Russia, Didi Tang, David McHugh, Rajesh Roy, and Yu Bing reported for the Associated Press (AP).

The world's two largest economies have backed away from sky-high tariffs and harsh trade restrictions. I Photo: A.Savin Wikimedia Commons

“China will always ensure its energy supply in ways that serve our national interests,” China’s Foreign Ministry posted on X, following two days of trade negotiations in Stockholm, in response to the U.S. threat of a 100% tariff. “Coercion and pressuring will not achieve anything.

China will firmly defend its sovereignty, security, and development interests,” the ministry said.

The response is notable at a time when both Beijing and Washington are signaling optimism and goodwill about reaching a deal to stabilize commercial ties between the world’s two largest economies—after backing away from sky-high tariffs and harsh trade restrictions.

It underscores China’s confidence in playing hardball with the Trump administration, especially when trade is linked to its energy and foreign policies.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, emerging from the talks, told reporters that regarding Russian oil purchases, the “Chinese take their sovereignty very seriously.” He added, “We don’t want to impede on their sovereignty, so they would like to pay a 100% tariff.”

He called the Chinese “tough” negotiators but said China’s pushback hasn’t stalled the talks. “I believe that we have the makings of a deal,” Bessent told CNBC.