China Slams US, EU Sanctions on Russian Oil as Unlawful

China unleashed a sharp rebuke on October 23, 2025, blasting U.S. and EU sanctions on Russia’s oil giants as “unlawful” and a threat to global stability.

The U.S. targeted Rosneft and Lukoil, while the EU hit Moscow’s energy sector and Chinese firms, escalating tensions in the Ukraine war saga. Beijing, a key Russian ally, called the moves baseless, igniting a diplomatic firestorm that’s gripping the world.

This isn’t just a policy spat it’s a bold stand by China, defending its interests and challenging Western dominance in a high-stakes global showdown.

US Sanctions Spark Fury

On October 22, President Donald Trump slapped sanctions on Russia’s top oil firms, Rosneft and Lukoil, after failed peace talks with Vladimir Putin. Frustrated by stalled negotiations, Trump aimed to choke Russia’s war funds, vital to its three-year invasion of Ukraine.

China, a major trade partner with Moscow, fired back at a Beijing press briefing. Spokesperson Guo Jiakun slammed the U.S. measures as “lacking any basis in international law” and unauthorized by the UN.

China’s defiance signals a deeper rift, with global markets and diplomats bracing for fallout.

EU Measures Draw Ire

The EU piled on with its own sanctions on October 22, targeting Russia’s gas exports and blacklisting Chinese companies linked to Moscow. Guo called the EU’s actions “irresponsible,” insisting China isn’t a party to the Ukraine conflict.

“We’re not the problem here,” he declared, accusing Brussels of unfairly dragging Chinese firms into the fray. Beijing vowed to take “all necessary steps” to protect its businesses, hinting at retaliatory moves.

The EU’s sanctions, including a 2027 gas import ban, have put China on edge, amplifying global tensions.

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A Call for Dialogue

Guo pushed back on Trump’s claim that President Xi Jinping could sway Putin to end the war. “Talks, not sanctions, are the only way to solve the Ukraine crisis,” he said.

China, maintaining neutrality since Russia’s 2022 invasion, has avoided condemning Moscow while urging dialogue. Guo’s stance underscores Beijing’s belief that economic pressure won’t resolve the conflict but could escalate it further.

With Ukraine’s cities reeling from recent strikes, China’s call for negotiations offers a faint hope amid rising hostilities.

Global Stakes Soar

The sanctions clash ripples far beyond Europe. Nigeria, with its vibrant news scene, feels the tremors as oil markets wobble. The U.S.-EU moves target Russia’s war chest, but China’s fierce response signals a broader power struggle.

Beijing’s trade ties with Moscow, a lifeline for Russia’s economy, are now under scrutiny, raising fears of a wider economic fallout.

Will China’s defiance spark a counterstrike or push for peace? The world watches as this drama unfolds.

China’s Next Move

Beijing’s bold rhetoric hides a strategic calculus. As Russia’s key partner, China faces pressure to balance trade with global diplomacy. Guo’s vow to shield Chinese firms hints at potential economic or political retaliation.

With the U.S. and EU tightening the screws, China’s role as a neutral player is tested. The Ukraine war, with its devastating toll, hangs in the balance.

This standoff is a global wake-up call. China’s push for talks over sanctions could reshape the conflict—or deepen the divide.