China on Tuesday vowed to protect its economic interests after the United States announced fresh measures aimed at increasing financial pressure on Iran, one of Beijing’s key economic partners.
Nearly six months into the US-Iran conflict, Washington has imposed new penalties on a number of entities, including some based in China, while threatening broader secondary sanctions against countries and companies continuing to do business with Tehran.
Beijing, which has repeatedly called for a ceasefire, said economic sanctions would not help resolve the conflict.
“Cooperation between China and Iran has always been conducted within the framework of international law and should not be interfered with or disrupted,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told reporters.
Lin reiterated Beijing’s opposition to unilateral sanctions, saying China would take “all necessary measures” to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.
China remains a major buyer of Iranian oil and has also been affected by disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite years of international sanctions, Iran has continued exporting oil through complex trading and financial networks, with China serving as its largest customer before the outbreak of the current conflict.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned on Monday that Chinese financial institutions could also face consequences under Washington’s expanded sanctions campaign.
Asked whether Chinese banks could be targeted, Bessent said “no one is above the reach of US sanctions.”