China Warns U.S. Against ‘Economic Warfare’ on Iran
BEIJING (Dispatches) -- The Chinese government warned in a statement on Monday against the massive economic warfare and large-scale sanctions campaign Washington is prepping against Iran, vowing to “protect its legitimate rights” as an ally of Tehran and warning that the “escalation serves no one.”
U.S. pressure policies and sanctions only “lead to escalation,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian added while speaking to reporters in Beijing.
“China calls on parties to act rationally and with restraint and avoid taking any measures that may further escalate tensions or deal a blow to global economic growth and financial stability,” the spokesman went on to say.
“Return to the right track of political settlement through dialogue and negotiations at an early date,” he stressed.
The spokesman said Beijing will continue to “closely watch relevant developments and do what is necessary to protect our legitimate rights and interests.”
The Chinese statement came as Iran announced its own sanctions on vessels violating its new regulations in the Strait of Hormuz, which has been shut by Tehran over U.S. attacks and violations of an understanding reached in June.
Washington and U.S. Treasury chief Scot Bessent have warned that third-party nations continuing trade with Iran will be targeted by secondary sanctions if they do not halt cooperation with Tehran.
China came under U.S. sanctions earlier this year for energy cooperation with Iran.
“The Chinese government has consistently opposed unilateral sanctions that lack UN authorization and basis in international law,” the Commerce Ministry of China said in May 2026.