Beijing: On Wednesday, China firmly rejected NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte's warning that nations such as Brazil, China, and India could face secondary US sanctions due to their ongoing trade relations with Russia amidst the Ukraine conflict.

According to Anadolu Agency, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, emphasized during a news conference in Beijing that 'dialogue and negotiations are the only viable way out of the Ukraine crisis.' He further stated China's opposition to unilateral sanctions and the exercise of long-arm jurisdiction, asserting that tariff wars are counterproductive, and coercive measures are futile.

Rutte's remarks followed his meeting with US President Donald Trump, where he relayed that Trump had warned of imposing secondary sanctions on countries like India, China, and Brazil if Russia does not engage earnestly in peace talks concerning Ukraine within 50 days. Trump had also threatened to levy 100% secondary tariffs on Russia if a resolution to the conflict was not reached within the stipulated period.

Additionally, Rutte noted the US's commitment to significantly bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities with weapons, including air defense systems, missiles, and ammunition, with financial backing from European allies. Despite these developments, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin expressed hope for the creation of a conducive atmosphere and conditions for a political resolution to the Ukraine crisis.

In response to remarks by former US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, who is nominated by Trump for the UN, Lin criticized the comments as reflecting an ideological bias and a Cold War mentality. Waltz had advocated for countering Chinese influence at the UN, vowing to work with Secretary of State Marco Rubio if confirmed.

Lin urged the US to engage in 'reasonable, concrete efforts' for fostering sustainable bilateral relations instead of pursuing antagonistic measures.