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Rubio Flags Sanctions Loophole in Chinese Refining of Russian Oil

The senator cautioned that imposing secondary sanctions on buyers could disrupt markets by raising energy prices.

US President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping.
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Indian oil refiners
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Overview

  • Marco Rubio said China is importing discounted Russian crude, refining it, and selling the resulting products back to Europe.
  • He noted that European countries remain reliant on Russian oil and gas and could strengthen enforcement of existing sanctions.
  • Rubio spoke in a Fox Business interview without announcing any new U.S. sanctions or formal policy changes.
  • He referenced a proposed Senate bill to impose 100% tariffs on China and India and said European governments have privately voiced economic concerns.
  • Rubio urged Europe to tighten its own sanctions on Russian energy without resorting to retaliatory measures.