China warns of countermeasures after Trump signs new Russia sanctions law

China's Commerce Ministry said in a statement that the country opposes unilateral sanctions and hopes the United States will meet Beijing halfway, following President Donald Trump's decision to sign a sweeping new law imposing sanctions on Russia.

The ministry also objected to secondary sanctions targeting countries that conduct business with third parties, stating that China has always pursued normal trade and economic cooperation with other nations based on equality and mutual benefit — cooperation that is not directed at any third party and should not be subject to outside interference or pressure.

Threat of countermeasures

The ministry said China will continue closely monitoring further U.S. actions and reserves the right to take all necessary measures to protect the country's sovereignty, development interests, and the legitimate rights of Chinese companies.

What the law does

Trump signed the new Russia sanctions legislation, dubbed the "sanctions from hell," overnight on September 19, Moscow time. The law grants the president authority to impose 100% tariffs on imports from five countries identified as the largest buyers of Russian energy. It also provides for sanctions against Russia's defense, energy, and financial sectors, its so-called shadow fleet, and the country's leadership.

China and India are the largest importers of Russian oil, meaning the new law could directly affect both countries.