China Responds to New US Sanctions on Iran: ‘Will Lead to Escalation’

The Chinese government responded on Tuesday to the expansion of US sanctions against Iran, declaring its intention to continue defending its cooperation with Tehran. This statement followed the announcement by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent regarding Washington's new plan to significantly increase economic pressure on the Iranian regime. Lin Jian, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, stated at a briefing in Beijing that cooperation between China and Iran is conducted within the framework of international law and should not be disrupted. He added that Beijing is closely monitoring developments and will take necessary measures to resolutely protect its rights and interests. Criticizing US policy, the spokesperson remarked that economic wars and maximum pressure are not the solution, warning that such measures could exacerbate tensions, create spillover risks, disrupt the global economic and financial order, and harm the legitimate interests of other nations. This response comes after Secretary Bessent threatened secondary sanctions on countries and entities that continue to maintain economic ties with Iran. Beijing emphasized its opposition to unilateral sanctions that lack UN Security Council authorization and called for a return to dialogue and negotiations to reduce tensions.