China Criticizes Trump’s Call for Tariffs Over Russian Oil Ties, Reaffirms Push for Peace
Speaking at a news conference in Ljubljana, Wang Yi stated that wars are not the solution to problems and that sanctions tend to make situations more complicated.
China has strongly responded to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent call for steep tariffs on Beijing over its continued ties with Russia, particularly in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Trump, in a post on his social media platform Truth Social, called for a 50–100% tariff on Chinese goods, accusing the country of undermining efforts to end the war by continuing its oil trade with Moscow. He also criticized NATO allies for buying Russian oil, calling it "shocking" and claiming it weakens their bargaining position with Russia.
In response, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi defended China’s position, reiterating the country’s commitment to peace and dialogue over conflict and sanctions. Speaking at a press conference in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, after meeting Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon, Wang stated that China does not engage in or plan wars, but instead seeks to facilitate peace talks and encourage diplomatic solutions to global crises.
“Wars cannot solve problems, and sanctions only complicate them,” Wang said, according to China Daily. He emphasized China’s role as a responsible global power, adding that the country has “the best record on peace and security issues.”
Wang also stressed the importance of multilateralism and the role of international cooperation. He called for strengthening multilateral institutions and upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter. Commenting on the broader geopolitical climate, he said the world is facing increasing chaos and conflict, and in such times, China and Europe should act as partners rather than competitors.
“China and Europe should be friends, not rivals. We should cooperate, not confront,” he said, according to Global Times. “Making the right choices amid the greatest changes in a century demonstrates the responsibilities both sides must fulfill toward history and the people.”
Trump’s tariff threats come amid heightened global tensions surrounding energy trade and the war in Ukraine. Last month, he announced a 50% tariff on India over similar Russian oil purchases, though no such tariffs have been applied to other countries like Turkey, Hungary, or Slovakia that continue similar trade with Moscow.