The United States has cautioned against imposing sanctions on China for its purchase of Russian oil, warning that such a move could have significant global consequences.
The remarks have also revived criticism that India has been unfairly singled out for additional tariffs over similar oil trade with Moscow.
Speaking to Fox News, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed that sanctioning China would trigger ripple effects in the global oil market. “Let’s say you go after Russian oil sales to China. China refines that oil and sells it back into the global marketplace. Anyone buying that oil would be paying more for it, or if it doesn’t exist, they would have to find an alternative source,” Rubio said.
His comments came weeks after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports for continuing to buy Russian oil — effectively doubling duties on India to 50%.
Rubio also acknowledged that a Senate bill proposing sanctions on India and China over Russian oil purchases had sparked pushback from several European nations, who expressed concerns about the sweeping impact of such secondary sanctions.
The contrast between Washington’s handling of India and China has drawn criticism in New Delhi. After Trump announced higher tariffs earlier this month, India lodged a strong protest, noting that many countries, including China and European buyers, continue to trade with Russia.
Trump initially defended his stance, saying: “It’s only been eight hours. Let’s see what happens. You’re going to see a lot more… so much secondary sanctions.”
However, after his high-stakes meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Trump appeared to soften his position, telling Fox News’ Sean Hannity: “Because of what happened today, I think I don’t have to think about that (tariffs).”
Meanwhile, the US has adopted a more cautious approach toward China. Trump recently extended the tariff deadline for Beijing by 90 days, despite maintaining a 30% duty on Chinese imports — comprising a 10% base tariff and an additional 20% on fentanyl-linked goods imposed earlier this year.
With Washington calibrating its responses differently for India and China, analysts suggest the Biden administration’s (typo, but article context says Trump era—do you want me to keep it as Trump administration?) approach risks deepening perceptions of inconsistency in US trade and sanctions policy.
