Wahington: US Vice President JD Vance on Monday said President Donald Trump is “thinking about” imposing tariffs on China for its purchases of Russian oil but has not yet made a final decision. Speaking to Fox News, Vance noted that Washington’s relationship with Beijing is “different” from its ties with other countries and requires broader strategic consideration.
Anchor: President Trump has placed tariffs on India for buying Russian oil. Will he do the same for China?
JD Vance: Well China is a bit more complicated pic.twitter.com/DdmtTefxv7
— Shashank Mattoo (@MattooShashank) August 11, 2025
The remarks come days after the Trump administration slapped an additional 25 percentage points in duties on Indian steel, aluminum and their derivatives — taking the total levy to 50% — in response to New Delhi’s imports of Russian oil. The new rates will take effect on August 27. India has strongly condemned the move, calling it “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.”
Trump’s warning to China mirrors his broader strategy of using trade measures to pressure countries maintaining economic links with Moscow amid the Ukraine conflict. However, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro has argued that targeting Beijing could hurt US interests, while describing India as the “maharaja of tariffs.”
Oil markets have so far shrugged off the US threats. Brent crude prices eased to a two-month low on expectations that supplies will not be significantly disrupted and that Washington’s measures may be implemented selectively.
“President Trump is close to securing the most significant diplomatic accomplishment in my lifetime, and he’s doing it by focusing on peace and bringing an end to the conflict. America is lucky to have this kind of bold leadership at such a pivotal moment in world history,” Vance added.
