Responding to Trump's Economic Sanctions, China Affirms Cooperation with Iran Cannot Be Disrupted

The Chinese government has stated that its cooperation with Iran is conducted within an international framework and therefore must not be disrupted, including by the United States. Beijing urged Tehran and Washington to return to the negotiating table.

“China’s cooperation with Iran is carried out within the framework of international law, so it must not be interfered with. We are following developments closely and will do everything necessary to firmly protect our rights and interests,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian at a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday (25/8/2026).

The US had previously warned other countries, including China, of the increasing risk of secondary sanctions if they do business with Iran, as Washington launched a new campaign to sever Iran’s vital economic lifelines.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the campaign, dubbed “Operation Economic Outcast”, focuses on five sectors of Iran’s economy: digital assets, technology, gold, aviation, and shipping.

“Those who stand with the United States will reap the benefits of our partnership. Those who bind themselves to the Iranian regime should be prepared to share in the isolation experienced by that failing regime,” Bessent said at a press conference in Washington D.C. on Monday (24/8/2026).

He stressed that no party is immune to US sanctions. Bessent also emphasised that any entity or country, including China as Iran’s main trading partner, could become a target in the new US operation.

“China has repeatedly stated its firm opposition to illegal unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law or authorisation from the UN Security Council,” Lin Jian added.

He said economic warfare and maximum pressure do not provide solutions.

“On the contrary, economic sanctions will only trigger tensions and cause risks to spread, which will disrupt the global economic and financial order and harm the legitimate rights and interests of other countries,” Lin Jian said.

The urgent task at present, according to Lin Jian, is to facilitate de-escalation of the situation and return to dialogue and negotiation as soon as possible.

“China will do everything necessary to firmly protect its rights and interests,” Lin Jian stressed.