The European Union (EU) is contemplating sanctions against China for its continued purchase of Russian oil and gas, contingent upon the United States (US) implementing similar measures first. EU officials commenced discussions on this potential sanctions package on Sunday, with the focus on secondary sanctions aimed at China, a significant buyer of Russian energy resources.
These discussions emerge amid heightened US pressure to limit Moscow"s funding capabilities for its ongoing war in Ukraine. A delegation of EU officials is set to meet with US Treasury representatives on Monday to explore collaborative approaches to sanctions against Russia. Former President Donald Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with Russia and indicated that European leaders are engaging with the US to resolve the issue.
Although the idea of secondary sanctions against China is still in its infancy and requires unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states, it faces potential opposition from Hungary and Slovakia, both of which remain heavily reliant on Russian energy imports. Trump"s recent calls for Europe to eliminate its dependence on Russian energy add urgency to the discussions.
Historically, sanctions targeting China for its energy imports have seen limited success. The US has imposed secondary sanctions on Chinese entities linked to Iranian oil imports since 2019, yet these measures have not significantly impacted trade dynamics. As the EU weighs its options, the implications of such sanctions could reshape its economic and diplomatic relations, particularly with major importers of Russian energy.
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