Archive · 17 Sep 2026
China Condemns United States Russia Sanctions Bill as Unlawful
The United States passed a bill that could increase sanctions on Russia and countries buying Russian energy.
China said the bill unfairly interferes with normal trade.
China also said such sanctions do not have a proper basis under international law.
The bill targets Russian officials, banks and ships connected to energy exports.
It could allow tariffs as high as 100 percent on goods from some major Russian energy buyers.
India and China are among the biggest buyers of Russian crude.
However, the tariffs would not start automatically.
President Donald Trump would have to decide whether to use this authority.
Supporters say access to the United States market could pressure countries to reduce purchases from Russia.
China rejected the United States sanctions bill, calling it unilateral and unsupported by international law or United Nations Security Council authorization.
The United States House of Representatives passed the legislation 262-159, sending it to President Donald Trump for signature.
The bill expands sanctions on Russian officials, financial institutions, banking authorities and vessels linked to Russia’s so-called shadow fleet.
It would authorize tariffs of up to 100 percent on goods from major purchasers of Russian petroleum or natural gas.
The measure does not automatically impose tariffs, but gives the president discretionary authority to apply them under specified conditions.
- Who
- The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the United States Congress, President Donald Trump, Russia, China and India.
- What
- The United States passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, while China condemned it as unlawful unilateral sanctions.
- When
- The House passed the bill on Wednesday; the Senate had approved it on August 7.
- Where
- The legislation was passed in the United States, and China issued its response from Beijing.
- Why
- United States supporters say the measure could pressure countries to reduce purchases of Russian energy and constrain Russia’s exports.
United States Supporters
China’s Objections
Legality of sanctions
United States Supporters
United States supporters present the sanctions as a tool to pressure Russia and countries continuing to purchase its energy.
China’s Objections
China calls the measures unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction without a basis in international law or United Nations Security Council authorization.
Trade and energy cooperation
United States Supporters
Supporters argue that access to the United States market can persuade major Russian energy buyers to reduce those purchases.
China’s Objections
China says its economic and trade cooperation with countries worldwide is based on equality and mutual benefit and should not face interference or coercion from third parties.
Tariff authority
United States Supporters
The bill would give the United States president discretion to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent under defined conditions.
China’s Objections
China opposes the broader use of unilateral measures to influence normal economic and trade relationships.
- House vote
- 262-159 in favor
- Senate vote
- 86-11 on August 7
- Bill
- Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026
- Potential tariffs
- Up to 100 percent
- Targets
- Russian officials, financial institutions, banking authorities and shadow-fleet vessels
- Exemption condition
- Countries importing less than 15 percent of Russian natural gas exports and taking substantial steps to reduce purchases could qualify
- Presidential role
- Donald Trump must sign the bill, and tariffs would require executive action