China condemns new US sanctions on entities linked to Iran
Beijing vows to protect its interests after Washington targets Chinese entities in latest economic pressure campaign
Quick Look
- China has pledged to protect its interests after the US imposed new sanctions on 60 entities, including some in mainland China and Hong Kong, for their ties to Iran.
- Beijing criticized the move as an ineffective solution to ongoing regional tensions.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The sanctions are part of US efforts to economically isolate Tehran following failed diplomatic and military attempts to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
China has condemned fresh US “Economic D-Day” sanctions imposed on Chinese entities over their ties to Iran, pledging “all necessary measures” to protect its interests.
Launching the measures on Monday against Iran and its trading partners, the United States unveiled new sanctions against 60 entities, individuals and vessels around the world, including some in mainland China and Hong Kong, and demanded “immediate action” from nations maintaining economic and commercial ties with Iran.
The measures are part of the Trump administration’s latest efforts to choke off Tehran economically after military strikes and diplomatic negotiations failed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the six-month conflict.
In Beijing on Tuesday, the Chinese foreign ministry said Beijing’s cooperation with Tehran was conducted “within the framework of international law and should not be disrupted”.
Economic wars and maximum pressure were “not the solutions”, ministry spokesman Lin Jian said.
The new actions aim to expand Washington’s secondary sanctions, putting entities in multiple jurisdictions on notice.
“Let me be clear: any entity that facilitates money laundering on behalf of Iran will be removed from the US dollar system. The clock just started ticking,” US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said.
Open Questions
- What specific measures will China take to protect its interests?
- Which specific Chinese entities have been targeted?
