China has issued a sharp rebuke to the United States following Washington's announcement of expanded sanctions targeting Iran and any nation conducting business with the Islamic Republic or its Revolutionary Guard Corps. As one of Iran's largest trading partners, China faces potential significant economic consequences if the U.S. follows through on threats to penalize Chinese companies for their Iranian commerce.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi responded forcefully to the American declaration, condemning the sanctions as illegitimate and pledging that Beijing would take all necessary measures to safeguard its economic interests. "China has clearly expressed on numerous occasions its firm opposition to illegal unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law or authorization from the UN Security Council," Wang stated. "Economic warfare and maximum pressure are not the solution."
The foreign minister went further, warning that expanding the sanctions regime could have dangerous ripple effects. "Broadening sanctions will only lead to the risk of spillover and escalation, and may endanger the legitimate interests of other countries," he said. "Our relationship with Iran complies with all obligations under international law, and we will not accept economic coercion. We will not hesitate to defend ourselves with whatever tools are necessary."
