Treasury’s Bessent Floats 200% Secondary Sanctions on China at G-7

U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent said he raised the idea of imposing “200% secondary sanctions on China” during discussions with his counterparts at the Group of Seven finance summit, according to remarks made on 13 Aug. 2025. Bessent noted that the other G-7 participants were “quiet” when he floated the proposal, suggesting the group offered no immediate endorsement or objection. He did not elaborate on the scope or timing of any possible measures, and there was no public comment from the other delegations. Secondary sanctions would target non-U.S. entities that continue doing business with China, potentially expanding Washington’s economic pressure beyond the 145% tariff on Chinese goods that took effect in April 2025.