Beijing Rejects Trump's Ultimatum

• 4.08.2025, 11:03

China's Foreign Ministry issued a statement.

Washington and Beijing may be able to resolve many of their differences for the sake of a trade agreement, but there is an issue on which they remain far from consensus - the US demand that China stop buying oil from Russia and Iran.

The Associated Press writes about this on Monday, August 4.

In particular, the agency cites a statement by China's Foreign Ministry following trade talks in Stockholm in response to the US threat to impose a 100% tariff on China's oil exports from Russia and Iran.

"China will resolutely defend its sovereignty, security and development interests," the agency stressed. China will resolutely safeguard its sovereignty, security and development interests," the Chinese Foreign Ministry stressed.

The statement is notable because it came as Beijing and Washington are showing optimism and willingness to compromise to reach an agreement that would stabilize trade relations between the world's two largest economies, AP points out. And it signals China's confidence in its ability to act tough with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. Especially when it comes to energy and foreign policy.