The Chinese foreign ministry told TASS on Thursday that it does not rule out the possibility of using rubles or yuans in energy commerce with Russia.

When asked if China is ready to use rubles or yuans for Russian energy sources instead of the US dollar, the ministry responded by saying "Market players are free to choose the currency in bilateral settlements," adding that "the use of own national currencies in the process of regular trade and economic cooperation may help avoid currency risks and reduce losses stemming from currency exchange."

According to Beijing, Chinese enterprises want to utilize rubles or yuans in commerce with Russia on an equitable and mutually advantageous basis, taking market developments into consideration. "Naturally, we will use currency of other countries due to various considerations," the ministry said.

According to the Wall Street Journal, which cited reliable sources, Saudi Arabia is considering using the yuan instead of the US dollar to pay for Chinese oil shipments. Such a move might erode the US dollar's dominance in the global energy market.

The Russian president had said on March 23 his country would stop taking payments in currencies that have been "compromised", though he did note that Russia would continue supplying gas in the volumes fixed in earlier contracts.

Days ago, the German Economy Minister Robert Habeck said that all G7 energy ministers agreed that they will not accept Putin's decision and will not comply with it. Habeck also claimed that Putin would not have had taken this decision had he not felt like he had his "back against the wall."

Amid sanctions imposed on Russia by the West, the UK Financial Times reported that India's central bank is in discussions with Russia regarding direct currency exchange.

Western nations placed tough sanctions on Russia for its decision to conduct a military operation in Ukraine on February 24.

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