China rejects US sanctions bill, opposes 'long-arm jurisdiction'

China on Thursday rejected the US move to impose sanctions and tariffs on countries buying Russian oil and gas, saying normal trade and economic cooperation between countries should not be subject to interference or coercion by third parties.

The remarks came a day after the US House of Representatives passed the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act 2026, which authorises US President Donald Trump to impose sanctions on Russia and steep tariffs on its major trading partners, including India and China.

Asked about the legislation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Beijing opposed any action that lacked authorisation from the UN Security Council.

"China consistently opposes long-arm jurisdiction that lacks a basis in international law and is not authorised by the United Nations Security Council," Guo told a media briefing here.

China has always conducted normal economic and trade cooperation with countries around the world based on equality and mutual benefit, he said.

“Such cooperation neither targets any third party nor is subject to interference or coercion from any third party,” Guo said.

Beijing has repeatedly opposed unilateral sanctions and has also continued to buy oil from Iran despite US sanctions.

China, along with India, is among the largest buyers of Russian oil and gas. A substantial portion of China's Russian energy imports is transported through pipelines crossing the two countries' land border.

According to official data, China's imports of Russian oil and gas totalled USD 64 billion last year, while imports during the January-August period this year crossed USD 70 billion.

The US Senate passed the sanctions bill last month. The House approved it by a 262-159 vote on Wednesday, and the legislation will now go to Trump for his signature.

The bill seeks to increase pressure on Russia over its continuing war against Ukraine.