China opposes US tariffs on India over purchase of Russian oil

ANKARA

China on Thursday opposed an additional 25% tariff on India over purchasing Russian oil.

"China’s opposition to the abuse of tariffs is consistent and clear," Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a press briefing in Beijing.

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday, imposing an additional 25% tariff on India. With the new order, US tariffs on Indian imports climbed to 50%.

The tariff rate on India came after months of negotiations failed to secure a trade deal.

China and India have been top buyers of Russia’s crude exports in recent years.

Trump has pushed countries to stop buying oil from Russia, as he seeks to press President Vladimir Putin to agree to a ceasefire with Ukraine.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was ready to pay a "heavy price," vowing to "never compromise” on the interests of the nation’s people.

Separately, reacting to US charging two Chinese nationals with sending advanced AI chips made by Nvidia Corp. to China, Guo said: "China opposes the US politicizing tech and trade issues and using them as weapons to maliciously blockade and go after China."

"The US should earnestly protect the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese nationals," he added.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid