 "Representational Image")
China slammed the United States and called out the hypocrisy of the West regarding trading with Russia . While speaking at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting, China’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, Geng Shuang, refuted the claims made by the US representative.
US President Donald Trump’s administration has been accusing both India and China of helping Russia in the war with Ukraine by continuing to trade with Moscow, especially by buying oil. During the UNSC meeting, the Chinese representative pointed out how the US and the West continue to engage in trading with Russia despite the war and the sanctions.
“The US itself continues to engage in trade with Russia to this day. Why should it be acceptable for the US to do so, but not for others? Isn’t this ‘only allowing oneself to set fires while forbidding others from lighting lamps?’” China’s deputy permanent representative to the UN said at the meeting.
China accuses the US of playing the blame game
While speaking to the reporters after the meeting, Shuang once again reiterated the matter and said that it was not China that created the crisis in Ukraine. “I responded to such accusations on multiple occasions in past meetings. Since the US insists on repeating the same rhetoric, I find it necessary to set the record straight once again," Shuang said.
“First, China is not the creator of the Ukraine crisis, nor is it a party to the conflict. China has never provided lethal weapons to any party involved in the conflict."
“We have always strictly controlled the export of dual-use items, including drones. Second, the UN Security Council has not imposed sanctions on any party to the conflict," he added. The Chinese UN representative made it clear that Beijing maintains trade ties with both Russia and Ukraine, in compliance with the trade law.
“China maintains normal trade relations with both Russia and Ukraine, in full compliance with international law and without breaching any international obligations. China’s legitimate and lawful rights and interests must not be infringed upon," he said.
“Third, the Ukraine crisis is currently at a critical juncture, with a genuine prospect for a political resolution. The US cannot, on the one hand, ask China to play a constructive role in ending the war, while on the other hand, continuously smear and pressure China," he added. The Chinese representative concluded his argument by saying that the US should not be playing the blame game in this regard.
The remarks from China came after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned Chinese officials that continued purchases of sanctioned Russian oil would lead to big tariffs due to legislation in Congress, but was told that Beijing would protect its energy sovereignty. India’s oil purchase from Russia has been facing similar scrutiny.