China has vowed to safeguard its interests after the United States announced plans to intensify economic pressure on Iran and imposed penalties on several entities, including some based in China.
The Chinese government said on Tuesday that it opposed what it described as illegal unilateral sanctions, warning that it would take measures to protect its rights and interests.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian made the remarks during a regular press briefing while responding to questions about Washington’s latest sanctions measures against Iran and its economic partners.
“China has already stated many times that it firmly opposes illegal unilateral sanctions,” Lin said.
He added that Beijing would respond if its interests were affected by the new measures.
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“China will take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard its own rights and interests,” the spokesman stated.
The comments came after Washington outlined plans aimed at intensifying economic pressure on Tehran, including the use of secondary sanctions against entities accused of supporting Iran’s economy.
The measures also targeted entities in China, raising the possibility of further tensions between Beijing and Washington over their respective relationships with Iran.
The United States has increasingly relied on sanctions as a tool to restrict Iran’s access to international markets and financial networks, while China has maintained economic ties with Tehran.
Beijing has consistently criticised unilateral sanctions imposed by individual countries without United Nations authorisation, arguing that such measures undermine international trade and legitimate economic relations.
China’s latest warning signals that Washington’s expanded sanctions strategy against Iran could further complicate already strained US-China relations, particularly if Chinese companies or financial institutions face additional penalties.
The development also highlights the broader geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran, as Washington seeks to increase pressure on Tehran while Beijing continues to defend its economic and diplomatic interests in the region.