The FT has learned that the EU is considering sanctions against China over its purchase of Russian oil.

The proposals are at a very early stage and are unlikely to be adopted unless the US also focuses on combating China's imports of Russian energy, the source said. Moscow considers the sanctions illegal.

The European Union is considering imposing sanctions against CHINA over its purchase of Russian energy products, according to the Financial Times (FT), citing European officials.

EU officials and diplomats began full-scale talks on September 7 regarding what might be included in the next round of sanctions against RUSSIA, the FT reports. According to three sources familiar with the discussions, the issue of possible secondary sanctions against China was raised in many of them.

EU proposals for secondary sanctions are "at a very early stage" and are unlikely to be adopted unless the US also targets China's imports of Russian energy, one source said.

A European delegation arrived in Washington on September 8 to discuss sanctions against Russia with representatives of the US Treasury Department.

Discussions on secondary sanctions against China and other major importers of Russian energy resources began in the European Union after the administration of US President Donald Trump imposed 50 percent tariffs on goods from India, explaining that New Delhi buys Russianoil , the FT notes.

However, the EU is reluctant to follow the US example and do the same with India, as this would run counter to its efforts to deepen bilateral trade relations, the newspaper writes. Brussels is also reluctant to take action against China, the FT notes, fearing retaliatory measures against European companies.

China is considered the EU's second largest trading partner, after the United States.

The fact that the 19th package of EU sanctions against Russia may include restrictions on Chinese companies was previously reportedBLOOMBERG . Furthermore, according to the agency, the secondary sanctions instrument, created back in 2023, may be applied for the first time.

In August, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that European leaders calling on the US to strengthen sanctions against Russia should do something themselves or "shut up." He called on Europe to follow the US in imposing secondary sanctions on countries purchasing Russian oil. Washington has not yet imposed secondary sanctions against China similar to those imposed on India.

China is the world's largest buyer of oil . According to dataREUTERS , in 2024 , Russia became the largest supplier of this resource to the country: exports for the year reached a record 108.5 million tons, which is 1% more than in 2023. In August, against the backdrop of the US imposition of measures against India, China increased its purchases of Russian oil: according to Kpler, Urals supplies to the country reached approximately 75,000 barrels per day, which is almost double the average level since the beginning of the year – 40,000 barrels.

The Kremlin has called US demands to cut off trade relations with Russia, including oil supplies, illegal threats. Moscow also considers the sanctions illegitimate and demands their lifting.

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