**China Refuses to Back Down on Russian Oil Imports Despite US Pressure**
In a move that’s sparking tensions between the US and China, Beijing has rejected Washington’s demands to stop purchasing oil from Russia. According to a recent report by the Associated Press, China is adamant about securing its energy supplies based on national interests.
The US had threatened to impose secondary sanctions on countries buying Russian oil unless Moscow agreed to a ceasefire before August 8. However, China’s Foreign Ministry shot back, saying that coercion and pressuring would not achieve anything, and that they would firmly defend their sovereignty, security, and development interests.
**A Sticking Point in Trade Talks**
The US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said that China’s continued purchases of Russian oil remain a key sticking point in trade talks between the two countries. The US wants to cut off key revenue streams for both Moscow and Tehran, but China appears unwilling to treat energy purchases as negotiable.
**Other Countries Backing Down**
India’s largest oil refiner, Indian Oil Corp (IOC), has paused Russian crude purchases and instead bought 7 million barrels of U.S., Canadian, and Middle Eastern crude for September delivery. This move is partly due to growing Western sanctions on Russia. President Trump has criticized India’s imports of Russian oil, saying that they are making big profits from selling it on the open market.
**China Stands Firm**
Despite US pressure, China shows no signs of retreating. Senator Lindsey Graham is pushing legislation that would allow tariffs as high as 500% on countries that continue purchasing Russian energy. However, China remains one of Russia’s key allies and has emerged as a critical economic and technological lifeline for Moscow.
**China’s Support for Russia**
President Xi Jinping has vowed to expand the strategic partnership with Russia, calling it “a model for a new type of international relations.” China is now the largest supplier of dual-use components found in Russian weapons, including Shahed-type drones recovered in Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky has sanctioned five Chinese companies accused of supplying drone parts.
**What’s Next?**
The US and China trade talks are ongoing, but it remains to be seen how this latest development will impact the negotiations. One thing is clear: China is not backing down on its energy purchases from Russia, despite growing tensions between the two countries.
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