Q: On September 18, EST, the US side signed the “2026 Graham Sanctions Against Russia and Iran Act” into law. The law comprehensively strengthens sanctions against Russia, extends relevant sanctions against Iraq, and makes it clear that a so-called “secondary tariff” of up to 100% can be imposed on third countries importing Russian oil or gas. Some commentators believe that China will be one of the US tax targets. What comments does the Chinese side have on this? A: We have taken note of the situation. China has always opposed unilateral sanctions that lack the authorization of the United Nations and the basis of international law, and opposes the imposition of so-called secondary sanctions against other countries on the grounds that a third party is involved. China has always carried out normal economic and trade cooperation with countries around the world on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. Relevant cooperation is neither directed against third parties nor interfered with or coerced by third parties. We will continue to pay close attention to the US side's follow-up measures, and reserve the right to take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard China's national sovereignty and development interests, as well as the legitimate rights and interests of enterprises. We hope that the US side and China will move in the opposite direction, maintain stable economic and trade relations through dialogue and consultation, and contribute more to maintaining the world trade order and the safety and stability of the global production and supply chain.

Q: On September 18, EST, the US side signed the “2026 Graham Sanctions Against Russia and Iran Act” into law. The law comprehensively strengthens sanctions against Russia, extends relevant sanctions against Iraq, and makes it clear that a so-called “secondary tariff” of up to 100% can be imposed on third countries importing Russian oil or gas. Some commentators believe that China will be one of the US tax targets. What comments does the Chinese side have on this? A: We have taken note of the situation. China has always opposed unilateral sanctions that lack the authorization of the United Nations and the basis of international law, and opposes the imposition of so-called secondary sanctions against other countries on the grounds that a third party is involved. China has always carried out normal economic and trade cooperation with countries around the world on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. Relevant cooperation is neither directed against third parties nor interfered with or coerced by third parties. We will continue to pay close attention to the US side's follow-up measures, and reserve the right to take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard China's national sovereignty and development interests, as well as the legitimate rights and interests of enterprises. We hope that the US side and China will move in the opposite direction, maintain stable economic and trade relations through dialogue and consultation, and contribute more to maintaining the world trade order and the safety and stability of the global production and supply chain.