China Vows to Defend Its Interests as US Expands Iran Sanctions and Economic Pressure

China has firmly stated that it will protect its national interests after Washington introduced new measures aimed at the economic isolation of Beijing's key partner, Iran.

During a regular news briefing in Beijing on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian dismissed Washington's intensifying pressure campaign and demanded an immediate halt to unilateral measures. Lin emphasized that cooperation between China and Iran strictly adheres to international law and must remain free from interference or disruption. Reaffirming Beijing's stance, Lin stated that China consistently opposes illegal unilateral sanctions and will take all necessary actions to defend its rights and interests.

These remarks arrive nearly six months into the US-Israel war on Iran, coinciding with fresh US penalties targeting various entities, including several located in China. Washington has also broadened its secondary sanctions threats, encouraging international governments to participate in its economic strategy. When questioned about whether Chinese banks might face these new penalties, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent asserted that no entity is exempt from US sanctions.

China continues to advocate for a ceasefire, maintaining that US sanctions will fail to resolve the underlying conflict. As a primary buyer of Iranian oil, Beijing is directly impacted by any disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Despite decades of sanctions and reliance on complex financial networks to bypass restrictions, Iran has consistently exported millions of barrels of oil, primarily to China, prior to the outbreak of the war.

Some analysts suggest that threats to penalize Chinese entities over trade with Iran may face implementation hurdles due to diplomatic and legal complexities. Trita Parsi, executive vice president of the Washington-based Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, noted that targeting Chinese firms shortly before Chinese President Xi Jinping's planned visit to Washington remains unlikely. Parsi also highlighted that Beijing previously helped prevent a severe global economic crisis during peak conflict by temporarily pausing oil purchases to stabilize spiking prices.

Furthermore, experts warn that Beijing will strongly push back against any US actions targeting Chinese companies or economic interests. Majidreza Hariri, president of the Iran-China Chamber of Commerce and Industries, also condemned US policies on social media, asserting that Washington has initiated an economic war against Tehran.