Donald Trump calls out China as player in Russia-Ukraine war theatre

In first such instance, U.S. president Donald Trump on Tuesday publically named China for financing Russia’s war in Ukraine through its continued purchases of Russian oil.

While Washington has generally avoided confronting Beijing, due to former’s critical dependence on exports such as rare earths, this marked the first instance at a global forum where Trump openly criticised China for funding the conflict.

Speaking at the UN General Assembly, Trump reiterated that the quickest way to end the war would be through strict tariffs on Russia and the countries supporting it, a step he said the United States was prepared to take. He highlighted his administration’s use of tariffs not only as a trade policy tool but also as a defence mechanism for U.S. sovereignty and global security.

Although his administration has imposed additional tariffs on India, doubling duties to 50%, the measures against China have yet to take effect. Trump has previously floated tariffs of up to 140% or higher on Chinese goods, but these remain on hold. The recent statements suggest Chinese imports could soon face tariff measures as well.

Recently, in a September 13 letter to NATO member nations, Trump had called out China for its role in funding the Russia war.

“I believe that this, plus NATO, as a group, placing 50% to 100% TARIFFS ON CHINA, to be fully withdrawn after the WAR with Russia and Ukraine is ended, will also be of great help in ENDING this deadly, but RIDICULOUS, WAR. China has a strong control, and even grip, over Russia, and these powerful Tariffs will break that grip,” he wrote in his letter, which he eventually shared in a post on his social media platform Truth Social.

China is the largest buyer of Russian oil, importing a record 109 million tonnes in 2024, according to media reports. India, by comparison, imported 88 million tonnes of Russian oil in 2024.

What did Trump say about India and the EU?

During his hour-long UNGA speech, Trump also repeated his accusations against India for supporting Russia.

“China and India are the primary funders of the ongoing war by continuing to purchase Russian oil. But inexcusably, even NATO countries have not cut off much Russian energy and Russian energy products, which as you know, I found out about two weeks ago and I wasn't happy. Think of it, they're funding the war against themselves,” he said.

He stressed that such tariffs would only be effective if European Union joined the effort. However, he went on to then accuse NATO members of hypocrisy for buying Russian energy while opposing the country militarily.

This mounts the pressure on the EU to pass on its sanctions to third countries including India. The EU recently announced its 19th sanctions package against Russia and entities linked to Russian oil imports last week.

Trump also reiterated past claims of having intervened to halt conflict between India and Pakistan during Operation Sindoor in May, a claim consistently denied by India. He also criticised global climate policies for fostering radical environmentalism, while pointing to rising emissions in developing economies such as China and India.