China Blocks US Sanctions, Activates Blacklist to Counter Washington's Pressure

The Chinese government has begun taking open steps against United States sanctions on its energy sector, signalling a new escalation in the increasingly heated global economic conflict.

China’s Ministry of Commerce decided in early May to block Washington’s restrictions on five independent oil refineries accused of importing oil from Iran through unofficial routes.

This step is seen as an important turning point after Beijing previously tended to respond to Western pressure in a cautious and indirect manner.

“China blocks US sanctions against five domestic oil refineries,” as reported by several international news agencies in their latest updates.

From Energy Pressure to Open Confrontation

The sanctions against China’s refineries are inseparable from the broader energy conflict between Washington and Tehran, particularly regarding oil distribution in the Gulf region.

In that situation, Iran has remained able to maintain exports through alternative routes, including the use of a “shadow fleet” that avoids Western oversight. Most of this oil supply flows to the Chinese market.

“As a result, we see direct efforts from Washington to pressure Iranian oil buyers in China to back off,” wrote Russian analyst Sergey Poletaev in Russia Today, published on Wednesday (6/5/2026).

This pressure has prompted a strategic change in Beijing, from a diplomatic approach to a more confrontational one.

“Facing severe oil shortages, China is forced to engage in more direct conflict with the US,” said Poletaev.

Activate Anti-Sanctions Law

Not only blocking the sanctions, Beijing has also begun activating domestic legal instruments to counter external pressure, including anti-sanctions laws that allow restrictions on foreign entities.

“China has activated the anti-sanctions law to counter the blacklist imposed by the US,” wrote Xinhua.