China vows to safeguard interests after ‘Economic D-Day’ sanctions over Iran ties
Washington warns Iran-linked entities face removal from US dollar system as Trump presses world leaders to cut financial ties
China has condemned fresh US “Economic D-Day” sanctions imposed on Chinese entities over their ties to Iran, pledging “all necessary measures” to protect its interests.
Launching the measures on Monday against Iran and its trading partners, the United States unveiled new sanctions against 60 entities, individuals and vessels around the world, including some in mainland China and Hong Kong, and demanded “immediate action” from nations maintaining economic and commercial ties with Iran.
The measures are part of the Trump administration’s latest efforts to choke off Tehran economically after military strikes and diplomatic negotiations failed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the six-month conflict.
In Beijing on Tuesday, the Chinese foreign ministry said Beijing’s cooperation with Tehran was conducted “within the framework of international law and should not be disrupted”.
Economic wars and maximum pressure were “not the solutions”, ministry spokesman Lin Jian said.
The new actions aim to expand Washington’s secondary sanctions, putting entities in multiple jurisdictions on notice.
“Let me be clear: any entity that facilitates money laundering on behalf of Iran will be removed from the US dollar system. The clock just started ticking,” US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said.