China increases purchase of Russian fuels despite war in Ukraine

China has increased in recent months the import of Russian fossil fuels, according to official data that show that the Ukrainian war has had little impact on the energy policy of the Asian giant.

The Chinese Customs Bureau confirmed Saturday that Russia is, for the third consecutive month, the main supplier of oil. In July, China purchased 7.15 million tons of crude oil, 7.6 percent more than in the same period a year ago.

Coal imports soared 14 percent, to 7.42 million tons, and are already at levels unseen in more than five years, according to data compiled by Bloomberg news agency.

The data contrast with the European Union’s political interest in reducing energy dependence on Russia, in retaliation for the military offensive launched in February on Ukraine and in the face of fears that, over the coming months, cuts will occur.

China, on the other hand, has taken the opportunity to increase imports from the neighboring country, after its failure to condemn the Russian invasion.