China insists Iran cooperation is legal, urges U.S. to return to diplomacy

China has asserted that its cooperative relationship with Iran operates within the framework of international law and must not be disrupted, including by the United States. Beijing has called for both Tehran and Washington to return to diplomatic negotiations.

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China's cooperation with Iran is conducted within the framework of international law, so it must not be interfered with. We are closely monitoring the developments and will do everything necessary to firmly protect our rights and interests.

Lin Jian, spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated in a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday (August 25, 2026) that China's cooperation with Iran is conducted legally and should not be interfered with. He added, "We are closely monitoring the developments and will do everything necessary to firmly protect our rights and interests."

This statement comes as the U.S. has intensified its efforts to isolate Iran's economy. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a new campaign, "Operation Economic Outcast," targeting five key sectors of Iran's economy: digital assets, technology, gold, aviation, and shipping. Bessent warned that those who do not align with the U.S. would face isolation alongside the Iranian regime.

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Those who stand with the United States will reap the benefits of our partnership. Those who tie themselves to the Iranian regime must be prepared to share in the isolation experienced by the struggling regime.

Bessent emphasized that no entity or country, including China, is immune to U.S. sanctions. He stated, "Those who stand with the United States will reap the benefits of our partnership. Those who tie themselves to the Iranian regime must be prepared to share in the isolation experienced by the struggling regime."

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China has repeatedly expressed its firm opposition to illegal unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law or UN Security Council authorization.

China has consistently opposed what it calls illegal unilateral sanctions lacking UN Security Council authorization. Lin Jian reiterated China's stance, arguing that economic warfare and maximum pressure tactics fail to provide solutions. Instead, he warned, such sanctions escalate tensions, disrupt the global economic and financial order, and harm the legitimate rights and interests of other nations. China believes the urgent task is to facilitate de-escalation and return to dialogue and negotiation as soon as possible.

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Economic warfare and maximum pressure do not provide solutions. On the contrary, economic sanctions will only fuel tensions and cause widespread risks, which will disrupt the global economic and financial order, and harm the legitimate rights and interests of other countries.