China deepens energy ties with Russia as U.S. warnings mount

China’s imports of Russian crude oil increased in September, highlighting Beijing’s continued energy cooperation with Moscow despite persistent pressure from the United States to desist.

According to Chinese customs data, imports from Russia rose 4.3 per cent from August to reach 8.29 million tonnes, accounting for 17.5 per cent of China’s total crude oil imports for the month.

The rise marks another sign of the deepening energy ties between the two countries, even as Western sanctions on Russia continue to reshape global oil flows.

Russia has remained one of China’s top crude suppliers, often surpassing Saudi Arabia, as discounted Russian oil continues to attract Chinese refiners looking to secure affordable energy amid global price volatility.

Analysts say the increase highlights China’s balancing act between maintaining energy security and navigating geopolitical tensions with the West.

Despite Washington’s efforts to isolate Moscow over its war in Ukraine, Beijing has consistently defended what it calls “normal trade cooperation” with Russia, arguing that such energy imports are conducted within the bounds of international law.

The latest data also reflect shifts in global oil markets, as Asian buyers, led by China and India, have become key destinations for Russian crude that once flowed to Europe.

For China, the continued inflow of Russian oil helps stabilize domestic fuel supplies and mitigate the impact of higher prices driven by Middle East instability and OPEC+ output constraints.

While the United States and its allies have urged countries to cut energy ties with Moscow, China’s import pattern shows little sign of change.

Experts note that Beijing’s energy strategy remains guided primarily by economic and security considerations rather than political alignment, signalling that Russian oil will likely remain a key component of China’s energy mix for the foreseeable future.

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