China’s imports of Russian oil rose 55% year-on-year in May amid Western sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, official data released on Monday.
The world’s second-largest economy imported 8.42 million tons of oil from Russia, outstripping fuel shipments from Saudi Arabia, which is normally China’s largest supplier.
Last week, Chinese President Xi Jinping assured Russian President Vladimir Putin of his support on “sovereignty” and “security” issues. Beijing has announced that it is giving Moscow significant diplomatic support.
Chinese data was released in the week when Ukraine’s conflict will be four months old and other buyers are avoiding Russian oil.
The figures represent an increase of 5.44 million tons imported by China compared to May 2021.
State media reported earlier this month that China was willing to “intensify strategic coordination between the two countries”.
The Kremlin announced that the two presidents agreed to increase economic cooperation in the face of “illegal” sanctions imposed by the West.
Western countries have adopted unprecedented sanctions against Russia in retaliation for the invasion of Ukraine. Moscow is looking for new markets and suppliers to replace foreign companies leaving the country.
source: Noticias
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