Beijing: China on Thursday expressed its opposition to an additional 25% tariff imposed by the United States on India due to its purchase of Russian oil. "China's opposition to the abuse of tariffs is consistent and clear," stated Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun during a press briefing in Beijing.

According to Anadolu Agency, the tariff decision came after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday, which increased US tariffs on Indian imports to a total of 50%. This move followed unsuccessful negotiations aimed at securing a trade deal between the two countries.

Both China and India have been significant purchasers of Russian crude oil in recent years. President Trump has been urging nations to halt their oil purchases from Russia in an effort to pressure President Vladimir Putin into agreeing to a ceasefire with Ukraine.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to the tariff increase by stating his readiness to pay a "heavy price" and vowed to "never compromise" on the interests of the Indian people.

Separately, in response to the US charging two Chinese nationals with exporting advanced AI chips from Nvidia Corp. to China, spokesman Guo emphasized China's disapproval of the US's approach. "China opposes the US politicizing tech and trade issues and using them as weapons to maliciously blockade and go after China," Guo remarked, urging the US to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese nationals.