International · Priscilla Asante
China hits out at illegal new us sanctions on Iran and trading partners
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.
The spokes person for the foreign ministry , Lin Jian , said , China is firmly opposed to what it called illegal unilateral sanctions and will take all the necessary measures to safeguard its rights.
This came after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent , announced the new measures warning any nation financially partnering with Iran will be isolated.
China is the biggest buyer of Iranian oil, although the trade has declined under the US blockade of Iran's ports.
Cooperation between China and Iran has always been conducted within the framework of international law and should not be interfered with or disrupted.
Mr. Bessent described the plans for sanctions as the single greatest financial offensive ever against Iran, warning banks and businesses w ill share in Iran's isolation if they refuse to cut ties with the country. He declined to focus on specific nations.
" US President Donald Trump will be phoning world leaders with specific requests to cease their interactions with the regime" he stated
However , responding to a question about Chinese banks, Mr. Bessent made it clear that “ no one is above the reach of US sanctions”.
The announcement comes ahead of planned talks between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping next month.
Washington is likely to be wary of potential retaliation from Beijing, which processes the majority of the world's rare earths and other critical minerals, crucial in the manufacture of many high-tech products.
Beijing has already tightened export controls on rare earths as part of previous trade negotiations with the US.
China’s response followed Iranian Economy Minister , Ali Madanizadeh saying Tehran is fully prepared for the wider sanctions, which he said will lead to another defeat for the US.
With the announcement of new sanctions, the US treasury secretary claimed America is “ no longer managing the Iranian threat, we are ending it".
UK Chancellor John Healey, said the British government supported US work to secure a diplomatic solution and welcome efforts to increase pressure.