China Rejects Trump’s Iran Sanctions Threat, Calls for Negotiations
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
BEIJING — China has pushed back against US President Donald Trump’s threat of sweeping economic consequences for countries continuing to trade with Iran, warning that sanctions and pressure will not resolve the confrontation and calling instead for a negotiated political settlement.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Beijing believes diplomatic engagement remains the appropriate route for addressing the dispute as Washington prepares to intensify its economic campaign against Tehran.
“Sanctions and pressure tactics are not the solution,” Lin said, urging the parties involved to act responsibly and pursue a resolution through political and diplomatic channels.
The response puts Beijing increasingly at odds with Washington over its strategy toward Iran, particularly as the United States seeks to squeeze Tehran’s remaining sources of international revenue.
Trump has warned that countries continuing to conduct business with Iran could face major economic consequences as his administration prepares a new phase of pressure against Tehran.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has also signaled that Washington intends to impose what he described as its toughest sanctions yet against Iran and has publicly urged China to cooperate with the campaign.
China is particularly significant to Washington’s strategy because of its role as the dominant buyer of Iranian crude.
More than 80% of Iran’s seaborne oil exports are currently destined for China, according to Reuters, making Chinese refiners a critical source of revenue for Tehran.
The impact of existing US pressure is already becoming visible. Iranian oil available to Chinese buyers has declined sharply, while prices for some shipments have risen as supplies become more difficult to secure. Chinese refiners have increasingly sought alternative crude from countries including Iraq and Brazil.
Despite its substantial economic relationship with Iran, Beijing has maintained a cautious diplomatic position throughout the conflict, opposing unilateral sanctions while repeatedly calling for negotiations and de-escalation.
The latest exchange raises the prospect of renewed economic friction between the world’s two largest economies if Washington moves to penalize companies or countries that continue purchasing Iranian energy.
Iran has also rejected the threatened escalation.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Tehran was prepared to endure greater economic costs to defend the country’s interests and called for preparations to withstand further sanctions.
Washington’s latest threats have already reverberated through global energy markets.
Oil prices climbed more than 2% on Thursday after Trump warned countries supporting Iran of severe economic consequences, with Brent crude settling at $93.78 a barrel and US West Texas Intermediate at $87.83.
The dispute is particularly sensitive because of continued disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy corridors.
For Washington, intensifying economic pressure is intended to reduce Tehran’s ability to finance its activities and push Iranian leaders toward a settlement.
Beijing, however, is signaling that it does not intend to endorse a sanctions-driven strategy.
With China remaining Iran’s most important oil customer, the effectiveness of Washington’s next economic offensive may increasingly depend on how far the United States is willing to extend pressure beyond Tehran — and how Beijing chooses to respond.
