China threatens retaliation against US sanctions on Iran

China has warned of potential retaliatory measures following the announcement of new United States sanctions targeting entities connected to Iran. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that Beijing opposes the ‘illegal unilateral sanctions’ and will take all necessary steps to protect its interests, asserting that China-Iran cooperation remains within the framework of international law.

The sanctions, announced by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, target dozens of individuals and entities linked to Tehran. Bessent described the measures as ‘the largest financial attack ever’ against Iran, warning that banks and businesses refusing to sever ties with the Iranian regime would face isolation. While the sanctions include entities based in Hong Kong, the US has not explicitly targeted major Chinese financial institutions.

China remains a primary purchaser of Iranian oil and was Iran’s second-largest trading partner in 2025. This escalation occurs ahead of a scheduled meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping next month. The tension follows the decision by the United Arab Emirates to sever all economic ties with Tehran following ballistic missile launches into UAE territory.