China Challenges US Sanctions Plan Against Iran

China announced that it will protect its national interests against the United States' plan of "economic suffocation" against Iran. The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lin Jian, stated that cooperation between China and Iran occurs within the framework of international law and should not be interfered with. China firmly opposes illegal unilateral sanctions and will take necessary measures to safeguard its rights and interests. Before the conflict, Iran exported millions of barrels of oil daily, mainly to China. The United States has formalized a new package of sanctions targeting countries and entities that do not join the campaign against Iran, including China. Beijing has insisted on the need for a ceasefire and has pointed out that US sanctions will not resolve the crisis. China is one of the main buyers of Iranian crude oil and has been harmed by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has faced sanctions for decades and has developed a financial network to evade restrictions. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that "no one is above the reach of US sanctions."