President Donald Trump has announced he will discuss China’s reduced Russian oil imports with Xi Jinping during his Asia visit, while claiming both China and India are cutting back on Russian energy purchases following US sanctions.
Key Developments
- Trump to discuss Russian oil import reductions with Xi Jinping
- Claims China cutting back “very substantially” and India “completely” on Russian oil
- US sanctions target Rosneft and Lukoil, warning financial institutions
- First Trump-Xi face-to-face meeting since January
“I may be discussing it, but you know China’s — you probably saw today — China is cutting back very substantially on the purchase of Russian oil, and India is cutting back completely, and we’ve done sanctions,” Trump told reporters.
Trump’s comments follow his earlier assertions that India would not engage in Russian oil trade, noting PM Modi had assured him India would stop purchases after US imposed tariffs.
US-China Trade Relations
Heightened tensions over trade, technology, and raw materials add significance to Trump’s Asia visit. The leaders will meet at the APEC summit in South Korea after constructive preliminary talks between US and Chinese negotiators in Kuala Lumpur.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng will continue discussions on Sunday, building on what US officials described as “very constructive” talks.
Comprehensive Deal Prospects
Trump expressed optimism about reaching a broad agreement with Xi, covering agriculture and China’s export of fentanyl components. This marks their first in-person meeting since Trump returned to the White House.
“We’ll be talking about a lot of things. I think we have a really good chance of making a very comprehensive deal,” he said.
The leaders have spoken at least three times this year, with Trump emphasizing direct talks as the most effective approach for addressing tariffs, export restrictions, and geopolitical issues including Taiwan and Ukraine.
Russia Relations Strained
Trump criticized Vladimir Putin’s handling of the Ukraine war and expressed uncertainty about Russian cooperation to end the conflict. He cancelled planned talks with Putin, describing the situation as “very disappointing” despite their historically good relationship.
“I’m not going to be wasting my time,” Trump said after the recently cancelled talks with Putin. “I’ve always had a great relationship with Vladimir Putin, but this has been very disappointing.”
The US implemented its first major sanctions targeting Russia’s petroleum sector as the invasion of Ukraine enters its fourth year, with warnings to financial institutions doing business with sanctioned Russian firms.
(With inputs from agencies.)
