China Responds to New US Iran Sanctions
China said Tuesday that it will protect its interests after the United States announced new sanctions targeting Iran.
Washington has also threatened wider penalties against countries and companies that continue doing business with Tehran.
The United States described the campaign as an effort to increase economic pressure on Iran.
China has opposed the sanctions and called for an end to the conflict.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Beijing’s economic cooperation with Iran follows international law.
“China has already stated many times that it firmly opposes illegal unilateral sanctions,” Lin said.
He added that China would take necessary steps to protect its rights and interests.
China Remains Major Buyer of Iranian Oil
China plays a major role in Iran’s oil trade.
Chinese companies remain important buyers of Iranian crude. That makes Beijing particularly vulnerable to any wider restrictions on Iran’s oil exports.
The situation has also affected China because of disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz.
The waterway serves as a major route for global energy shipments.
Iran has faced international sanctions for decades. Despite those restrictions, Tehran has continued to export large amounts of oil.
Most of Iran’s oil exports have gone to China.
Iran has also developed complex financial and trading networks to keep its oil business operating despite international restrictions.
US Warns Banks Over Iran Business
The latest American sanctions have increased pressure on countries that continue trading with Iran.
Washington has also expanded its threats of secondary sanctions.
Those measures can target companies and financial institutions that do business with sanctioned Iranian entities.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was asked whether Chinese banks could face penalties.
“No one is above the reach of US sanctions,” Bessent said.
His comments have increased uncertainty for Chinese banks and companies involved in trade with Iran.
Beijing Rejects Unilateral Sanctions
China has repeatedly criticized unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States.
Beijing argues that sanctions cannot resolve the conflict with Iran.
Chinese officials have instead called for a ceasefire and diplomatic efforts.
The latest dispute could further strain relations between Washington and Beijing.
China now faces a difficult balance between maintaining its energy relationship with Iran and limiting the impact of American financial restrictions.
Beijing’s promise to protect its interests suggests that the dispute over Iran could become another major point of tension between the world’s two largest economies.
