Скачать или смотреть [J.JTimes] China Halts U.S. Energy Imports A Silent Move Before Trade Talks?

‪@J.JTimes‬
Tensions between the US and China are rising again.
Ahead of their upcoming third high-level trade talks, China has quietly halted most US energy imports a signal that could carry more weight than words.

Chinese media like SCMP report that China has drastically reduced imports of US energy, including LNG, crude oil, and coal.

LNG imports in February plunged 66% month-over-month,

From March to June: zero LNG imports,

Crude oil imports from the US between Jan May dropped 68% year-over-year,

Coal imports fell 87%, and practically stopped in April.

These moves reflect deeper tensions.
Since the US–China trade war under Donald Trump, China has been diversifying energy sources to avoid dependency on US supplies.

China also slapped extra tariffs on US energy:

25% on LNG, 15% on coal, 10% on crude oil.

Chinese companies are playing it safe pausing large contracts amid trade and currency volatility.

Even US agricultural exports are taking a hit:

Corn exports to China dropped nearly 93% in the first half of the year,

Beef exports were down about 6.5%.

Experts say China is likely using this pause to apply subtle pressure ahead of negotiations.

Energy and agricultural products are highly standardized, making them easy to replace from other suppliers giving China strong leverage.

As trade talks loom, China’s silent shift in energy and food imports could be a strategic warning.
Is this just a matter of numbers, or the beginning of a quiet diplomatic showdown?
Whatever the case, it’s clear:
Energy is now a weapon in the global trade war.
Stay tuned.