China has pledged to take all necessary measures to protect its interests after the United States announced sweeping new economic sanctions targeting countries that trade with Iran. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Beijing firmly opposes illegal unilateral sanctions lacking UN Security Council authorization and warned such tactics will only worsen the conflict in the Middle East. Lin added that China-Iran cooperation operates within international law and should not be disrupted.
The dispute follows US President Donald Trump's announcement on Aug. 19 of what he called the most devastating economic operation ever undertaken against nations providing vital support to Iran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the campaign as an "Economic D-Day" and warned countries with trade ties to Tehran face severe consequences. China, India, Turkey, Iraq, and the UAE are seen as the most likely targets of the US action.
Tensions have escalated since US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday declared Tehran is in a full-scale war, while Iran has cautioned nations against participating in US measures including a naval blockade.