Trump Threatens China with Expanded Sanctions

(MENAFN) US President Donald Trump has indicated that he might introduce additional penalties against China as part of a wider initiative to intensify pressure on countries that maintain commercial ties with Russia.

During remarks made on Wednesday, Trump announced that he intends to increase duties on India, raising them to 50% by late August.

He accused the South Asian country of supporting Moscow in the Ukraine war through continued purchases of Russian oil.

Later the same day, during a press conference at the White House, the president was asked whether similar economic measures could be applied to China.

“Could happen. Depends on how we do,” Trump replied.

When questioned about other nations’ imports of Russian energy, he suggested that further actions are forthcoming.

“You’re going to see a lot more. You’re going to see so much secondary sanctions,” he said.

New Delhi and Beijing, both major buyers of Russian oil, have responded by reaffirming their commitment to defending their economic interests despite Washington's new trade penalties.

“India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests,” the Indian Foreign Ministry said in a statement released on Wednesday.

Last week, Beijing promised to “ensure its energy supply” through strategies that uphold its national priorities. “Tariff wars have no winners,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry asserted.

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