China rejects U.S. Iran sanctions, vows to protect trade ties
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China on Tuesday rejected new U.S. sanctions targeting entities linked to Iranian oil trade, saying it would not end ties with Iran. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian called the measures 'illicit unilateral sanctions' and said China would do everything necessary to safeguard its rights. The U.S. sanctions, announced Monday, stopped short of targeting Chinese banks.
Key Facts
- The U.S. on Monday announced sanctions against individuals and entities linked to Iranian trade, including shipping and oil industry, but did not sanction any Chinese banks.
- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Tuesday that China firmly opposes 'illicit unilateral sanctions' and will do everything necessary to safeguard its rights.
- The sanctions target brokers, companies, and shadow-fleet vessels operating across the UAE, Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Switzerland, and Europe that transport Iranian oil.
- Lin Jian said China's cooperation with Iran is conducted within the framework of international law and should not be disrupted.
U.S. Sanctions Expansion
The U.S. Administration on Monday announced a series of new sanctions against individuals and entities linked with Iranian trade and economy, including the shipping and oil industry. The sanctions, dubbed 'Operation Economic Outcast' by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, stopped short of sanctioning any Chinese banks. Monday's designations include brokers, companies, and shadow-fleet vessels operating across the UAE, Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Switzerland, and Europe that transport Iranian oil and channel revenues to Iranian entities. OFAC also sanctioned international companies operating in Iran's petroleum sector and facilitating the movement and sale of Iranian crude and petroleum products.
China's Official Response
Lin Jian, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said at a regular press conference on Tuesday that China has made clear its firm opposition to illicit unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law or UN Security Council authorization. He added that such moves by the U.S. only serve to fuel tensions and lead to risk spillover, disrupting the global economic and financial order and harming the legitimate rights and interests of other countries. Asked if China would change its behavior with Iran to comply with U.S. demands, Lin said China's cooperation with Iran is conducted within the framework of international law and should not be disrupted. He said China is closely following developments and will do everything necessary to firmly safeguard its rights and interests.
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China rejects U.S. Iran sanctions, vows to protect trade ties
