The Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) Photo: VCG

In responding to a question about the US' call for G7 and NATO countries to impose 50 percent to 100 percent tariffs on China on the grounds that China purchases Russian oil, so as to push China to play a role in ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said on Monday that China has always opposed the imposition of economic and trade restrictions on China under the pretext of so-called "Russia-related" issues.

The US is attempting to coerce relevant parties by imposing "secondary tariffs" on China under the pretext of purchasing Russian oil. This is a typical act of unilateral bullying and economic coercion, a serious violation of the consensus reached during the call between the leaders of China and the US, and may have a serious impact on the stability of global trade and industry and supply chains, the spokesperson noted.

"China firmly opposes this," the MOFCOM spokesperson said. "If any party harms China's interests, China will take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests."

The spokesperson further urged the US side to exercise caution in its words and actions, work with China toward the same goal, and continue to properly resolve economic and trade differences through equal dialogue and consultation.

"At the same time, we hope that relevant parties will adhere to principles and work with China to jointly maintain the world trade order and the security and stability of the global production and supply chain," the MOFCOM spokesperson said. 

Global Times