According to AFP, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said during a regular press briefing that China has repeatedly opposed what it described as unilateral and unlawful sanctions. He stressed that Beijing would continue taking appropriate steps to protect its legitimate rights and interests.
The Chinese response comes as Washington moves to intensify economic pressure on Tehran. The United States has announced sanctions targeting certain entities involved in business and financial dealings with Iran, including companies linked to China.
The US administration has also threatened to impose additional secondary sanctions on countries and companies that continue maintaining trade and financial relations with Iran. The measures are aimed at restricting Tehran’s access to international markets and putting further pressure on its economy.
China is one of Iran’s key economic partners, with extensive trade ties between the two countries, particularly in the energy and oil sectors. As a result, tougher US sanctions on Iran could directly affect Chinese companies, businesses and energy-related interests.
Beijing has made it clear that it does not consider unilateral US sanctions to be legitimate international measures. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said China would take necessary action to defend its rights and interests against what it considers unlawful external pressure.
The latest development comes amid already strained relations between Washington and Beijing. The two global powers have long been engaged in disagreements over trade, economic policy and international affairs.
With the United States increasing pressure on Iran and China maintaining important economic ties with Tehran, the latest sanctions could add another layer of tension to the already complicated relationship between the world’s two largest economies.