China says it will protect its interests after the US expands sanctions on Iran
Beijing responded after Washington broadened penalties on Iran, as the measures target firms linked to Tehran and raise pressure on countries that still trade with it.
China said it would defend its interests after the United States widened sanctions on Iran, a move that could affect Chinese companies and trade ties with Tehran. The response came as Washington stepped up pressure on countries that continue doing business with Iran.
The US has said it wants to isolate governments and firms that help sustain Iran’s economy, while China remains one of the main buyers of Iranian oil, according to the BBC. That makes Beijing especially exposed to any effort to tighten enforcement.
Al Jazeera reported that the latest US action includes sanctions on Chinese firms with Iran links, although major banks were not included. The timing also comes as Donald Trump and Xi Jinping are expected to hold important talks.
Iran has separately warned it will retaliate against countries that cooperate with the new US measures. The Guardian reported that the United Arab Emirates, Iran’s largest trading partner in the Middle East, had already said it would end trade with Iran before the announcement.
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