China Vows to Safeguard Interests as U.S. Expands Sanctions on Iran
The Chinese government has warned it will take “all necessary measures” to protect its interests after the United States announced plans to broaden economic sanctions targeting Iran and countries linked to Tehran, such as China itself.
Foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian called the U.S. action an illegal unilateral sanction and emphasized that China‑Iran trade remains grounded in international law, insisting it will not be disrupted. He added that cooperation between the two nations will continue as long as it complies with global norms.
The sanctions, described by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent as the “single greatest financial offensive ever” against Iran, aim to isolate any nation that finances or otherwise supports the regime.
Bessent did not identify specific countries, but warned that U.S. President Donald Trump would be calling world leaders for “specific requests to cease interactions with the regime.” He insisted no entity, including Chinese banks, was immune from U.S. enforcement.
China, currently the largest buyer of Iranian oil, has seen a decline in trade due to U.S. blockade measures, but remains a key player due to its control over rare‑earth production. Prior to the sanction announcement, China had already reacted to U.S. trade tensions by tightening rare‑earth export controls.
Iranian officials declared that the country is “fully prepared” to meet the wider sanctions, asserting a two‑year plan to manage the economic fallout and maintain its operational capacity.
Experts predict that China’s historically hostile reaction to unilateral U.S. sanctions will weaken the intended impact on Iran’s revenue streams. Because roughly 90 % of Iran’s oil is exported to China, analysts expect minimal short‑term disruption in Tehran’s earnings.
The sanctions arrive ahead of a scheduled meeting between U.S. President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, a moment when Washington will likely weigh the risk of retaliatory moves from Beijing.
Other nations such as India and Russia remain silent, while regional neighbors like Pakistan, Turkey, and Iraq face a dilemma: maintaining ties with Iran while avoiding U.S. backlash.
