Q: Recently, the U.S. government urged the Group of Seven (G7) nations and NATO to impose tariffs of 50% to 100% on China, citing its purchases of Russian oil, in an attempt to make China play a role in ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict. What is MOFCOM's comment on this?

A: China firmly opposes any trade restrictions imposed on China under the pretext of "Russia-related" concerns. The U.S. attempt to force other parties into imposing "secondary tariffs" on China over alleged Russian oil imports constitutes a typical act of unilateral bullying and economic coercion. Such an action seriously violates the consensus reached during the phone call between the leaders of China and the U.S., and could severely disrupt global trade and the stability of industrial and supply chains. China firmly opposes this measure. Should any party take actions that harm China's interests, China will adopt all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.

China hopes that the U.S. will exercise caution in its words and actions, meet China halfway and continue to resolve trade disputes properly through equal-footed dialogue and consultation. China also calls on relevant parties to uphold principles and work together with China to safeguard the global trade order and ensure the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains.