<h1>Democrats say president's targeted tariffs and oil-linked levy on major Asian democracy are inconsistent and harm bilateral ties</h1> House Democratic members of the foreign affairs committee criticized the US president for singling out a major Asian democracy with reciprocal tariffs and an additional levy tied to its purchases of Russian oil, while sparing a larger purchaser, calling the approach inconsistent and damaging to bilateral relations. The administration argues the tariffs are punishment for financing Russia's war in Ukraine; advisers escalated rhetoric by blaming that country's leader. Critics say the policy undermines broader secondary-sanctions threats by exempting the biggest importer of Russian energy. The targeted government labeled the measures unjustified and warned it will take steps to safeguard national interests and economic security.