China has pushed back against US President Donald Trump’s call for sweeping sanctions on Russia and China, reaffirming its commitment to resolving global conflicts through dialogue.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, speaking at a press conference in Ljubljana after meeting Slovenia’s Deputy Prime Minister Tanja Fajon, said wars are not a solution and sanctions only make matters worse.
“China does not participate in or plan wars, and what China does is to encourage peace talks and promote political settlement of hotspot issues through dialogue,” Wang said, according to China Daily.
His remarks come in response to Trump’s proposal that NATO coordinate with the US to impose major sanctions on Russia and punitive tariffs on China.
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In a letter addressed to NATO allies on Saturday, Trump urged member countries to take collective action against Russia by stopping purchases of Russian oil and agreeing to “major sanctions” once unanimity was reached.
“As you know, NATO’S commitment to WIN has been far less than 100%, and the purchase of Russian Oil, by some, has been shocking! It greatly weakens your negotiating position, and bargaining power, over Russia. Anyway, I am ready to ‘go’ when you are. Just say when?” he wrote.
Trump also pushed for tariffs on China, stating, “I believe that this, plus NATO, as a group, placing 50% to 100% TARIFFS ON CHINA, to be fully withdrawn after the WAR with Russia and Ukraine is ended, will also be of great help in ENDING this deadly, but RIDICULOUS, WAR. China has a strong control, and even grip, over Russia, and these powerful Tariffs will break that grip.”
China’s rejection of the proposal underscores its stance as a mediator advocating for diplomatic solutions rather than confrontational measures.
Wang Yi emphasised that peace-driven approaches are essential to resolving crises and that economic sanctions would only further complicate international relations.
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