China says economic, trade and energy cooperation with Russia is beyond reproach

BEIJING -- China's normal economic, trade and energy cooperation with all countries -- including Russia -- is justified, legitimate and beyond reproach, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Monday.

Lin made the remarks at a regular news briefing after the United States pressured the G7 and the NATO countries to impose additional tariffs on China for its imports of Russian oil.

"The actions of the United States are typical of unilateral bullying and economic coercion. Such actions seriously undermine international economic and trade rules, and threaten the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains. It has been proved that coercion is unwelcome and cannot solve problems," Lin said.

Noting that China's position on the Ukraine crisis has been consistent and clear, Lin said dialogue and negotiation are the only feasible way to resolve it. China has maintained an objective position on the crisis and continually promoted peace talks since its outbreak.

China firmly opposes the excessive, illegal unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction imposed on China, Lin stressed.

"If China's legitimate rights and interests are infringed upon, it will take resolute countermeasures and firmly safeguard its sovereignty, security and development interests," he added.