China: Trade and energy cooperation with Russia is beyond reproach

China’s normal economic, trade, and energy cooperation with all countries, including Russia, is justified, legitimate, and beyond reproach, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Monday.

Lin made the remarks at a regular news briefing after the United States pushed the Group of Seven (G7) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries to impose additional tariffs on China for its imports of Russian oil.

The actions of the United States are typical of unilateral bullying and economic coercion. Such actions seriously undermine international economic and trade rules and threaten the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains. It has been proven that coercion is unwelcome and cannot resolve problems,” Lin said.

Noting that China’s position on the Ukraine crisis has been consistent and clear, Lin stated that dialogue and negotiation are the only practical ways to resolve it. China has maintained an objective position on the crisis and has continually supported peace talks since it began.

Lin emphasized that China firmly opposes the excessive, illegal unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction imposed on China.

If China’s legitimate rights and interests are violated, it will take firm countermeasures and strongly defend its sovereignty, security, and development interests,” he added.