China Shrugs Off U.S. Threat, Backs Russia-Iran Oil

China has defiantly rejected U.S. demands to stop importing oil from Iran and Russia, signaling a deepening divide between the two global powers despite ongoing trade negotiations aimed at easing broader tensions.

Following two days of intense talks in Stockholm, China’s Foreign Ministry issued a stern message on X (formerly Twitter), declaring, “China will always ensure its energy supply in ways that serve our national interests.

Coercion and pressuring will not achieve anything.

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

This response came after the U.S. threatened to impose a 100% tariff if China continued purchasing oil from the two U.S.-sanctioned nations.

While both countries have recently shown optimism toward stabilizing trade ties, Beijing made it clear that energy security remains a red line.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged the sticking point.

“The Chinese take their sovereignty very seriously,” he told reporters.

“We don’t want to impede on that they’d rather pay a 100% tariff.”

Despite the impasse, Bessent expressed hope for a broader trade deal, calling the Chinese “tough” but constructive negotiators.

Beijing’s stance highlights its growing confidence in pushing back against Washington, especially when it sees inconsistencies in U.S. foreign policy.

Experts argue that China views oil imports from Russia and Iran as strategic, affordable lifelines in its long-term energy and geopolitical plans.

“Beijing simply can’t afford to walk away from the oil from Russia and Iran,” said Danny Russel of the Asia Society Policy Institute.

“It’s too important a strategic energy supply, and Beijing is buying it at fire-sale prices.”

The U.S. government, under President Donald Trump, has prioritized reducing oil revenues for Russia and Iran to weaken their military capabilities.

However, China and India remain the two largest importers of Russian crude, raising questions about the effectiveness of U.S. sanctions.

Meanwhile, Republicans in Congress continue to push for punitive measures.

Senator Lindsey Graham has proposed a bill allowing tariffs of up to 500% on any nation purchasing energy products from Russia.

With bipartisan support, the bill reflects mounting pressure on the Biden administration to hold America’s trading partners accountable.

Still, many experts doubt whether Washington will fully enforce such extreme tariffs, especially with a potential Trump–Xi summit looming in the fall.

As Gabriel Wildau of Teneo noted, “Realizing those threats would derail all the recent progress and probably kill any chance for a major trade deal.”

Ultimately, the dispute underscores an ongoing struggle between economic pragmatism and geopolitical rivalry.

With energy prices at the heart of the global economy, neither China nor the U.S. seems ready to blink first.

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