Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian

Asked to comment on reports that the US has recently urged G7 and NATO members to collectively impose additional tariffs on China for purchasing Russian oil, in a bid to pressure China to play a role in ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Monday that China's normal economic and energy cooperation with countries around the world, including Russia, is legitimate, lawful, and above reproach. 

"The US move is a typical act of unilateral bullying and economic coercion, which seriously undermines international trade rules and threatens the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains," Lin told a regular press briefing. 

"Facts have proven that coercion and pressure are unpopular and will not solve the problem. China's position on the Ukraine crisis is consistent and clear. Dialogue and negotiation are the only viable way out," Lin stressed.

Lin noted that since the very first day of the crisis, China has been taking an objective and impartial stance, insisting on promoting peace talks. 

"We firmly oppose certain parties directing the issue at China, and we firmly oppose the imposition of unlawful unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction on China," he said, adding that if China's legitimate rights and interests are harmed, China will take resolute countermeasures and firmly safeguard its sovereignty, security and development interests.

Global Times