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 new measures were announced by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday, warning that any nation financially partnering with Iran would be isolated.
China, the largest buyer of Iranian oil, has seen trade decline under the US blockade of Iran’s ports, but still remains a major customer.
Lin said, "Cooperation between China and Iran has always been conducted within the framework of international law and should not be interfered with or disrupted."
Bessent described the sanctions as "the single greatest financial offensive ever" against Iran, adding that banks and businesses would face isolation if they refused to cut ties.
He said the President would telephone world leaders to request that they cease interactions with the regime, and made it clear that no one is above the reach of US sanctions, even Chinese banks.
The announcement comes ahead of planned talks between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping next month, amid concerns over potential retaliation from Beijing.
China has already tightened export controls on rare earths in previous trade talks with the U.S., highlighting its influence over critical minerals needed for high‑tech products.
Iran’s Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh told state television the government was fully prepared for the wider sanctions, calling them a “defeat” for the US and noting a two‑year plan to manage the situation.
He added that Iran also had its own tools and had been waiting for these plans for a long time.
Analyst David Oxley of Capital Economics cautioned that the new package would likely have only a limited direct impact on Iranian energy flows in the short term, citing that roughly 90% of Iranian oil goes to China, which has historically ignored U.S. sanctions.
Ali Vaez from the International Crisis Group noted that China typically opposes unilateral sanctions, preferring multilateral or international measures.
He added that economic pressure on Tehran is unlikely to succeed, as the Iranian regime is prepared to absorb pain and pass it on to its people.
Other partners such as India and Russia – who have not yet responded – could also face consequences from the U.S. sanctions.
