U.S. to Press China Over Support for Russia in Upcoming Talks
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced he will meet with his Chinese counterpart next week in Stockholm, where he plans to address concerns over China’s continued purchases of sanctioned Russian oil and its broader support for Moscow’s war in Ukraine, The Gaze reports, citing Reuters.
Bessent emphasized that while trade relations with China have improved, “We’ll be working out what is likely an extension” of the August 12 deadline for a broader trade agreement. However, he stressed that the issue of Russian sanctions will also be on the agenda.
“I’m going to be in touch with my European counterparts. The Europeans that have talked a big game about sanctioning Russia, and it’ll be very important for the Europeans to also be willing to put on these high level of secondary tariffs for sanctioned Russian oil,” Bessent said.
He added that “there was bipartisan support in the U.S. Senate for legislation aimed at imposing tariffs of 100% on goods from countries that continue to buy Russian oil, namely China and India.”
While the meetings, set for Monday and Tuesday in Stockholm, are officially focused on trade and a potential extension of the truce that currently prevents a dramatic hike in tariffs, Bessent made clear that the talks will also include warnings to Beijing over its indirect role in supporting Russia’s war effort.
The U.S. has repeatedly accused China of helping Russia by increasing purchases of its oil and exporting dual-use goods that may end up in military use. Beijing has denied direct involvement in the war and insists that its economic model is based on innovation, not state subsidies.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson confirmed that Sweden will host the high-level dialogue, calling it a positive step: “It is positive that both countries wish to meet in Sweden to seek mutual understanding.”
Meanwhile, Bessent noted that the U.S. is preparing “a rash of trade deals” with other countries and signaled that Japan could be one of the next partners, despite political complications in Tokyo.
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