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China vows retaliation against US Iran sanctions targeting Chinese entities
The US announced new sanctions on Iran and trading partners, including firms in mainland China and Hong Kong, as Beijing warns the move could disrupt the global economic and financial order ahead of Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump’s planned talks.
China has vowed to retaliate after the United States expanded Iran sanctions that target Chinese entities, setting up a fresh potential flashpoint in US-China relations ahead of President Xi Jinping’s expected state visit to Washington next month, according to observers cited by SCMP Economy.
SCMP Economy reports the US announced new sanctions on Monday against Iran and its trading partners, including entities in mainland China and Hong Kong, as Washington seeks to squeeze Iran economically after months of military strikes and failed diplomatic efforts over a six-month conflict.
China’s foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian described the sanctions as illicit, saying they have no basis in international law and would heighten tensions, while adding that China’s cooperation with Iran is conducted within that framework. He also warned that the US approach of economic warfare and maximum pressure provides no solution.
A Tsinghua University researcher said it is unclear whether the latest sanctions will directly affect Xi’s planned meeting with Trump, but noted the risk depends on whether the US expands secondary sanctions to major Chinese banks. SCMP Economy also points to this week’s Track 1.5 dialogue as a potential channel to contain tensions and clarify each side’s concerns.