Beijing – China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has strongly opposed a U.S. proposal urging G7 nations to impose tariffs on countries that continue to purchase Russian oil. Wang stressed that wars cannot resolve global disputes and warned that sanctions only make matters worse.
Speaking during talks with Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon on Saturday, Wang emphasized that China does not engage in or plan wars. Instead, he said, Beijing promotes peace negotiations and seeks political solutions to global flashpoints through dialogue.
“China is a responsible major country and has the best record on peace and security issues,” Wang stated, according to reports from China’s state-run media outlet, Xinhua. He reiterated that “war cannot solve problems, and sanctions will only complicate them.”
His remarks were seen as a direct response to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who had earlier urged G7 finance ministers to consider tariffs on nations importing Russian oil. The U.S. argues that such a move is necessary to curb Russia’s revenue streams and weaken its ability to sustain the war in Ukraine.
A U.S. Treasury Department statement highlighted Bessent’s appeal, noting that if G7 countries are truly committed to ending the Ukraine conflict, they should join Washington in applying economic pressure. While Bessent did not name specific nations, the U.S. has frequently criticized both China and India for continuing to purchase Russian crude.
“Only with a unified effort that cuts off revenues funding President Vladimir Putin’s war machine at the source will we be able to apply sufficient economic pressure to end the senseless killing,” Bessent said.
China’s opposition underscores a broader divide between Beijing and Washington over how to address the Russia-Ukraine conflict. While the U.S. pushes for tougher sanctions, China continues to call for dialogue and political settlement, highlighting its role as a mediator rather than an enforcer of economic restrictions.