US Secretary Of State Rubio Admits Sanctioning China Would Hit Global Markets Amid Accusations Of Double Standards

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged in a recent interview that sanctioning China would trigger global ripple effects, noting that Beijing refines Russian oil and re-exports it to international markets, Hindustan Times reported.

He cautioned that curbing this flow could drive up global energy prices and disrupt supply chains,

The remarks stood in contrast to Washington’s treatment of India. Just weeks earlier, President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Indian imports to 50 per cent, citing New Delhi’s Russian oil trade, while simultaneously granting China a 90-day extension on its existing tariff deadline.

Currently, US tariffs on Chinese goods stand at 30 per cent, a mix of base duties and fentanyl-linked surcharges.

Critics argue Rubio’s comments inadvertently show why India has been an easier target. Unlike China, India does not dominate global refining or re-export flows, making penalties against it less risky for world markets.

Trump’s earlier warning of “a lot more secondary sanctions” added to concerns that India was being deliberately isolated.

New Delhi hit back after the tariff hike, pointing out that several countries, including US allies, continue to buy Russian oil without facing the same penalties.

Following his Alaska meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump hinted at easing further measures, but the tariff disparity remains.

Also Read: What Trump’s Trade Adviser Says About India In New FT piece — And What He Conveniently Forgets