China on Thursday rejected the US use of what it described as "long-arm jurisdiction" after the US House of Representatives passed legislation that could allow President Donald Trump to impose sanctions on Russia and steep tariffs on major trading partners such as India and China.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Beijing's normal trade and economic cooperation with other countries should not be subject to interference or coercion by third parties.
"China consistently opposes long-arm jurisdiction that lacks a basis in international law and is not authorised by the United Nations Security Council," Guo said at a media briefing in Beijing.
US House passes Russia sanctions bill
The US House of Representatives on Wednesday passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by a vote of 262-159. The legislation had already cleared the Senate last month and will now go to Trump for his consideration.
The bill seeks to increase economic pressure on Russia over its continuing war against Ukraine. It also gives the US President authority to impose steep tariffs on countries that continue purchasing Russian oil and gas, potentially affecting major buyers including India and China.
The legislation does not itself automatically impose a 100 per cent tariff on India or China. Instead, it provides the US President with authority to impose such tariffs under specified conditions.
China defends trade ties with Russia
China has repeatedly opposed unilateral sanctions and measures it considers extraterritorial. Beijing has also continued its energy trade with Russia despite Western sanctions.
China and India are among the major buyers of Russian oil and gas. According to official data cited by India Today, China imported around $64 billion worth of Russian oil and gas last year, while imports during January-August this year had already crossed $70 billion.
Guo said China's economic and trade cooperation with other countries is based on equality and mutual benefit and does not target third parties.
"Such cooperation neither targets any third party nor is subject to interference or coercion from any third party," he said.
India also signals concerns over US legislation
India has separately said it has taken note of the US legislation and warned that measures targeting Russian oil purchases could have implications for bilateral relations and the international energy market.
The Ministry of External Affairs said New Delhi remains committed to ensuring energy security and will continue sourcing supplies from diverse sellers based on market dynamics. It also said India would take necessary measures to protect its trade and economic interests.
India is among the world's largest oil importers and has continued purchasing Russian crude, citing the need for secure and affordable energy supplies.
The latest developments come as India and the US continue discussions on their broader trade relationship, while Washington seeks greater pressure on countries maintaining significant energy ties with Moscow.
