China on Thursday (October 16, 2025) defended its oil imports from Russia as legitimate and lawful, warning the United States that it would take “firm countermeasures” if it imposed unilateral sanctions affecting Beijing's interests.

The U.S.' approach amounted to unilateral bullying and economic coercion, which severely undermines international trade rules and threatens the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a media briefing in Beijing.

China's normal trade and energy cooperation with countries around the world, including Russia, is legitimate and lawful, Mr. Lin said, responding to a question on U.S. President Donald Trump's claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured him of not buying oil from Rus

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