The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill on September 16 aimed at imposing sanctions on China and India, major buyers of Russian energy. The legislation grants President Donald Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on imports of Russian oil and natural gas.
According to the South China Morning Post, the House approved the 'Lindsey O. Graham Russia-Iran Sanctions Act' with a vote of 262 in favor and 159 against. The Senate had previously passed the bill overwhelmingly last month with a vote of 86 to 11. The bill now awaits Trump's signature.
Led by the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who passed away in July, the bill empowers Trump to impose tariffs on the top five countries importing Russian oil and natural gas.
While the bill does not specify the countries targeted, China and India are expected to be the primary focus due to their significant imports of Russian energy.
The legislation also includes additional sanctions on Russia's energy and defense industries. It aims to strengthen sanctions against the so-called 'shadow fleet' that transports Russian oil to evade existing sanctions and imposes further restrictions on Iran.
The Chinese government responded immediately. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang stated at a regular briefing on September 17, "China has always engaged in normal trade and economic cooperation with countries based on equality and mutual benefit. Such cooperation is not aimed at any third country and should not be interfered with or coerced by third parties." He added that China opposes extraterritorial jurisdiction without a basis in international law and without approval from the United Nations Security Council.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs also issued a statement on the same day, emphasizing that it has made its position clear regarding the potential impact of the bill on U.S.-India relations and the international energy market. The ministry warned that it would take all necessary measures to protect its trade and economic interests.
The passage of this bill comes as negotiations between the U.S. and China are ongoing ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the United States next week. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bensent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng are expected to hold final negotiations this weekend to prepare for Xi's visit. The two sides are anticipated to discuss economic agreements, including tariff reductions on agricultural trade and the extension of a fragile trade truce established last October.
This legislation targeting China, a major importer of Russian oil, is seen as a further economic pressure tactic as the U.S. intensifies sanctions against Iran and urges China to halt commercial transactions with the country.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.