Video: China rejects planned US sanctions on Iran, calls for diplomacy
Abdullateef Fowewe
China has said it will not accept unilateral US sanctions against Iran that lack approval from the United Nations Security Council or a basis in international law, urging Washington to pursue political and diplomatic engagement instead of escalating economic pressure.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks on Friday, in response to comments by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who said Washington was preparing what he described as the “toughest sanctions in history” against Tehran.
“China opposes illegal unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction that have no basis in international law or authorization from the UN Security Council,” Lin said, according to the information provided.
He added that sanctions and pressure would not resolve the Iranian issue, stressing that relevant parties should work towards a political and diplomatic settlement to prevent further instability in the region.
Bessent had called for international cooperation as the United States prepares a new package of restrictions targeting Iran.
The details of the measures are yet to be released, with the Treasury Secretary expected to outline them at a press conference on Monday, August 24.
The planned sanctions are expected to form part of Washington’s wider campaign of economic pressure on Tehran, including measures aimed at constraining Iranian oil revenue, shipping operations, financial networks and alleged sanctions-evasion channels.
US President Donald Trump had earlier warned that countries, businesses, financial institutions and other entities providing what he called a “lifeline” to Iran could face “tremendous economic consequences.”
China, Iran’s largest oil customer, has become a central focus of US calls for coordinated enforcement.
Beijing, however, has consistently argued that unilateral sanctions should not replace diplomacy or be used to intensify regional tensions.
“China rejects sanctions that have no basis in international law,” the Foreign Ministry position stated, as Beijing reiterated its opposition to pressure-driven approaches against Iran.
