La Jornada: China opposes US plan that punishes Russian oil and gas clients

Beijing. China rejected the US bill that plans to impose sanctions against the main buyers of Russian oil and gas, including Beijing, and warned that it will take measures to protect the interests of its companies.

“China firmly opposes illegal unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law and do not have the authorization of the United Nations Security Council,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a press conference.

The diplomat assured that Beijing will take all necessary measures to firmly defend the legitimate rights and interests of its companies and citizens against any possible application of that plan.

The new version of the draft on sanctions against Russia includes tariffs of up to 100 percent for countries that continue to acquire Russian oil and gas, a reduction from the 500 percent proposed in the initial version. Among the five main affected clients is the Asian giant.

The document also provides exceptions for nations whose energy purchases from Russia represent less than 15 percent of their total oil and gas imports and that adopt “significant measures” in order to reduce that dependence.

In addition, it would allow US President Donald Trump to suspend the application of the sentences if he considers that the measure responds to the national interests of the United States.

The project was promoted by Senator Lindsey Graham, who died suddenly over the weekend, and was included by Russia on its list of terrorists and extremists, who was one of its main promoters. After his death, several US legislators expressed their intention to continue with the initiative, although it is still unclear whether his death will speed up the approval of the bill or outright slow it down.