China defends cooperation with Russia as legitimate

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Beijing defended its energy cooperation with Moscow as "legitimate" on Thursday, after Washington said it expected China to suspend purchases of Russian oil, as promised by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"China's normal trade with countries around the world, including Russia, is legitimate and in accordance with the rules," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a press conference.

Lin accused the US of engaging in “unilateral intimidation and economic coercion” that “seriously violate international trade norms and jeopardize the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains.”

The spokesperson emphasized that China's position on the war in Ukraine "has always been objective and fair," and is "clear, public, and widely recognized." "We firmly oppose the United States' frequent use of China as a pretext and its abuse of illegal unilateral sanctions and extraterritorial jurisdiction," he added.

Lin also warned that if “China’s rights are violated,” Beijing “will respond firmly and resolutely safeguard its sovereignty, security and development interests.”

On Wednesday, Trump said during a White House press conference that Modi assured him that India would suspend imports of Russian oil as a way to reduce Moscow's energy revenues following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The US leader said he "didn't like" Modi buying oil from Russia because it "allows him to continue his absurd war."

India, along with China, has been a major buyer of Russian crude oil, benefiting from lower prices since the imposition of Western sanctions. During his previous term, Trump imposed tariffs on Indian imports but avoided directly penalizing China due to ongoing trade tensions. "Now my goal is for China to do the same," Trump stated.

Since the beginning of the conflict, China has maintained an ambiguous position , calling for respect for the territorial integrity of all countries, including Ukraine, and for the "legitimate security concerns" of all parties involved — a reference to Russia, with whom Beijing has intensified economic and diplomatic ties since 2022.