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China vows to protect interests as U.S. widens Iran sanctions
🇬🇧 United Kingdom /Elections & Politics

China vows to protect interests as U.S. widens Iran sanctions

From BBC News · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • China has vowed to protect its interests against expanded U.S. sanctions on Iran and its trading partners, including Beijing.
  • Beijing opposes the U.S. measures as illegal and vows to take necessary actions, while Iran states it is prepared for the sanctions.
  • The U.S. Treasury Secretary warned that nations financially partnering with Iran would face isolation, ahead of potential talks between U.S. and Chinese leaders.

China has declared it will safeguard its interests following the United States' announcement of broadened economic sanctions targeting Iran and its global trading partners, which include Beijing.

Cooperation between China and Iran has always been conducted within the framework of international law and should not be interfered with or disrupted.

— Lin JianChina's foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian stated China's firm opposition to what it termed "illegal unilateral sanctions."

Foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian stated China's firm opposition to what it termed "illegal unilateral sanctions." He asserted that China would implement "all necessary measures" to protect its rights. This declaration came after U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent unveiled the new measures, warning that any nation maintaining financial ties with Iran would be subject to isolation.

China, Iran's largest oil purchaser, has seen a decline in trade due to U.S. blockades. Lin emphasized that "Cooperation between China and Iran has always been conducted within the framework of international law and should not be interfered with or disrupted." Bessent described the sanctions as "the single greatest financial offensive ever" against Iran, cautioning that banks and businesses cutting ties with Iran would avoid repercussions.

the single greatest financial offensive ever

— Scott BessentU.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the new measures as "the single greatest financial offensive ever" against Iran.

While Bessent avoided naming specific countries, he indicated that U.S. President Donald Trump would contact world leaders with "specific requests to cease their interactions with the regime." Responding to questions about Chinese banks, Bessent clarified that "no one was above the reach of U.S. sanctions." The announcement precedes planned discussions between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping next month, with Washington anticipating potential retaliation from Beijing, a major processor of rare earths and critical minerals vital for high-tech manufacturing. Beijing has previously tightened export controls on rare earths during trade negotiations.

no one was above the reach of US sanctions

— Scott BessentResponding to a question about Chinese banks, Bessent said he wanted to make clear "no one was above the reach of US sanctions."

Iran's Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh expressed Tehran's "full preparedness" for the expanded sanctions, predicting "another defeat" for the U.S. He stated the government has a "two-year plan to manage these events" and possesses "our own tools and know how to play the game."

fully prepared

— Ali MadanizadehIran's Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh expressed Tehran's "full preparedness" for the expanded sanctions.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by BBC News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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