China vows 'firm countermeasures' if interests harmed over Russia ties

China has declared it will implement determined countermeasures to protect its national interests if confronted with restrictions regarding energy cooperation with Russia, directly responding to US pressure campaigns targeting Russian crude oil imports. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian asserted Thursday that China maintains "legitimate and lawful" energy partnerships with Russia and other nations, rejecting what he characterized as unilateral American coercion threatening global economic stability.

Energy cooperation justification

The Chinese official defended Beijing's ongoing energy collaboration with Moscow as appropriate commercial activity conducted within established legal frameworks. Lin specifically criticized US demands to terminate Russian oil imports as "unilateral bullying and economic coercion" that potentially endanger "security stability of global supply chain" operations, while reaffirming China's position on Ukraine as "objective and just" despite Western criticisms.

Diplomatic context and Indian precedent

The strong Chinese statements follow President Donald Trump's announcement that India committed to phase out Russian oil imports, with the US administration now targeting similar commitments from Beijing. As the world's two largest purchasers of Russian crude exports, China and India represent crucial markets for Moscow's energy sector, making their continued participation essential for sustaining Russian petroleum revenues amid Western sanctions regimes.

Sovereignty protection commitment

Lin explicitly warned against US efforts to "make China an issue" through unilateral sanctions or extended jurisdiction applications, pledging robust responses to protect Chinese sovereignty, security and development interests if confronted with restrictive measures. The diplomatic confrontation highlights escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing regarding appropriate economic relations with Russia amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict.