The trade agreement between the United States (US) and China has entered a tense phase again as Washington hinted that trade negotiations would include national security issues.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the new round of negotiations with China may also discuss oil purchases from Iran and Russia, which are currently under international sanctions.
In an interview with CNBC, Bessent stated that China is a major buyer of oil from both countries and did not rule out the possibility that the issue would be raised in future negotiations.
This development is expected to expand the scope of bilateral negotiations between the two world economic powers, following a previous agreement to temporarily lower tariffs until mid-August.
In the same statement, Bessent also warned that any country that buys Russian oil could face secondary tariffs of up to 100%. This approach is seen as having a major impact on the economies of the countries involved, including European allies.
Tensions are rising as President Donald Trump gives Russian President Vladimir Putin 50 days to reach a peace deal with Ukraine or face massive economic sanctions.
The situation shows Washington's increasing pressure on Beijing and Moscow through an approach that combines trade and geopolitical pressure simultaneously.
