China Rebukes US Sanctions on Iran, Warns of Retaliation
China has vowed to protect its interests after the US announced plans to widen economic sanctions against Iran and its trading partners, which include Beijing.
Foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said China was firmly opposed to what it called "illegal unilateral sanctions" and would take "all necessary measures" to safeguard its rights.
The move follows Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s announcement on Monday. He warned any nation financially partnering with Iran would be isolated and that the US was launching what he described as the "single greatest financial offensive ever" against Tehran.
Bessent emphasized that no one was above the reach of US sanctions, mentioning that President Donald Trump would call world leaders with specific requests to cut ties with the Iranian regime.
China, the largest buyer of Iranian oil, has seen its trade decline under the US blockade of Iranian ports. Lin stated that cooperation between China and Iran has always adhered to international law and should not be interfered with.
Concurrently, Iran’s Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh announced that Tehran was fully prepared for the expanded sanctions, claiming it would lead to "another defeat" for the United States.
The announcement comes ahead of scheduled talks between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping next month. Washington is wary of potential retaliation from Beijing, as China processes the majority of the world’s rare earths and other critical minerals used in high‑tech production.
China has already tightened export controls on rare earths in previous trade negotiations with the US. Analysts suggest the new sanctions may have only a limited direct impact on Iran’s energy revenues in the short term, partly because 90% of Iranian oil flows to China, which has historically disregarded unilateral sanctions.
The US has dubbed the latest measures "Operation Economic Outcast" and described them as an “economic D‑Day” against Iran. The sanctions package covers almost 60 entities, individuals and vessels involved in financial channels, facilitators and networks used by Iran to evade restrictions.
Other countries that could be affected by the US announcement include India and Russia, which have yet to respond. Meanwhile, the EU and allies have urged the United States to pursue a diplomatic solution and expressed support for efforts to increase pressure on Tehran.
Despite the escalation, many analysts remain skeptical about the effectiveness of unilateral sanctions, arguing that Iran can absorb the impact and redirect its financial strain towards its populace.
