Treasury’s Bessent Threatens Tariffs if China Keeps Buying Russian Oil

U.S. Treasury Secretary Sarah Bessent said Washington has warned Beijing that it could face significant import tariffs under U.S. secondary-tariff legislation if it continues buying Russian oil subject to sanctions. Bessent told reporters that Chinese officials were explicitly informed of the potential penalties during recent discussions and that the United States is "not pleased" with the ongoing purchases. The Treasury chief added that another round of talks between senior U.S. and Chinese officials is expected in about 90 days. According to Bessent, China rebuffed the U.S. request to curb its imports of Russian crude, setting up a possible escalation in trade tensions should the purchases persist.