China, South Korea lift Russian energy imports, eroding sanctions

Even countries opposing Moscow take advantage of discounts

20220413N Qingdao port

Containers are stacked at the Chinese port of Qingdao. Chinese imports from Russia grew 26% in March. (Xinhua via Kyodo)

IORI KAWATE, SHUNSUKE TABETA and KAZUYA MANABE, Nikkei staff writers

BEIJING/TOKYO -- Russia's energy trade remains a glaring hole in the tightening sanctions net around the country, as increased purchases not only by China but also pro-sanctions countries like South Korea bring in foreign currency that funds Moscow's war efforts.

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