China Says No to New US Sanctions on Iran
China says it will protect its business with Iran after the US announced new sanctions
The US announced new sanctions on Iran.
The sanctions also hit countries that buy Iranian oil.
China buys more Iranian oil than any other country.
A Chinese spokesman, Lin Jian, said the sanctions are illegal.
He said China will protect its rights.
The US Treasury Secretary is Scott Bessent. He said no one is too big for US sanctions.
Iran says it is ready. The war in Iran started almost six months ago.
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China Opposes New US Sanctions on Iran and Its Oil Buyers
Beijing says it will take all necessary measures after Washington widened its sanctions on Iran
China has promised to protect its interests after the US said it would widen sanctions against Iran and its trading partners, including Beijing.
Foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said China was firmly against "illegal unilateral sanctions" and would take "all necessary measures" to protect its rights. He said cooperation between China and Iran follows international law and should not be disrupted.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the new measures on Monday. He warned that any country doing business with Iran would be isolated, and he said no one was above the reach of US sanctions.
China is the biggest buyer of Iranian oil, but the trade has fallen because the US is blocking Iran's ports. Iran's Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh said Tehran was "fully prepared" and had a two-year plan.
The war in Iran started almost six months ago. Oil prices have risen around the world, and a 60-day ceasefire ended last week with no agreement.
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China Calls New US Sanctions on Iran Illegal as Oil Trade Comes Under Pressure
Beijing has promised to take all necessary measures after Washington announced sanctions on Iran and on nations that trade with it
China has vowed to protect its interests after the United States 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 he called "illegal unilateral sanctions" and would take "all necessary measures" to safeguard its rights.
"Cooperation between China and Iran has always been conducted within the framework of international law and should not be interfered with or disrupted," Lin said. China is the biggest buyer of Iranian oil, although the trade has declined under the US blockade of Iran's ports.
The measures were announced on Monday by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who described them as "the single greatest financial offensive ever" against Iran. He said banks and businesses would share in Iran's isolation if they refused to cut ties with the country, and made clear that no one was above the reach of US sanctions. Sanctions were imposed on almost 60 entities, individuals and vessels. President Donald Trump is expected to phone world leaders with requests to stop dealing with Iran, ahead of planned talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping next month.
Iranian Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh said Tehran was "fully prepared" and had a two-year plan to manage the situation. UK Chancellor John Healey said Britain supported US efforts to find a diplomatic solution.
Some analysts doubt the measures will work quickly. David Oxley of Capital Economics told the BBC the effect on Iran's energy revenues would be "somewhat of a damp squib", partly because roughly 90% of Iran's oil goes to China. The war began almost six months ago, and a 60-day ceasefire expired last week.
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