China refuses to stop buying Russian oil to avoid 100% US duties

During the latest trade talks in Stockholm, the United States and China almost agreed on most issues to avoid higher tariffs, but remain at a standstill due to Washington's demand to stop buying oil from Russia and Iran. About writes Associated Press.

China's Foreign Ministry said that the country "will always ensure its energy security in a manner that is in the national interest" and warned that "pressure and coercion will not work."

In return, the United States plans to impose 100% import duties on Chinese goods if Beijing does not comply.

Oil trade with Russia and Iran is strategically important for China. According to the United States, up to 90% of Iranian oil goes to China, and purchases of Russian oil are growing despite the sanctions.

Experts say that China is using this issue as a bargaining chip in the negotiations and does not plan to give up profitable supplies that support both the Russian and Iranian economies.

In the United States, congressmen are proposing even tougher sanctions, including tariffs of up to 500% on countries that buy energy from Russia. However, so far these initiatives have not been implemented due to political disagreements.

• On July 28, Trump shortened his 50-day ultimatum to Putin: he now gave the dictator "10 or 12 days" to conclude a peace deal, otherwise, secondary duties will be applied to buyers of Russian resources.
• The very next day, the US president said that putin has 10 days to end the war against Ukraine. At the same time, the US President believes that the settlement of the war in Ukraine will take a long time.
• On July 31, US diplomat Kelly said that the agreement between Russia and Ukraine must be achieved by August 8 otherwise, the United States will be ready to take additional measures to ensure peace. He also said that China had handed over to Russia drone and cruise missile technology among the support it provides to the military machine of the aggressor country.