China Vows To Protect Economic Interests Amid US Iran Sanctions

China has vowed to safeguard its economic interests after the United States threatened sweeping secondary sanctions against countries maintaining economic ties with Iran.

At a routine press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Beijing firmly opposes illegal unilateral sanctions and would take necessary steps to defend its rights and interests.

Lin also stressed that economic cooperation between China and Iran should not be interfered with or disrupted. He called on Washington and Tehran to reach a ceasefire, arguing that sanctions would not bring an end to the conflict.

The US has unveiled an economic campaign aimed at cutting Tehran off from the US dollar-based financial system and further isolating Iran economically. China, the UAE, Turkey, Iraq, the European Union, India, Pakistan, and Russia are among Iran's key trading partners that could face pressure.

China plays a central role in Iran's economy, accounting for almost a third of Tehran's non-oil foreign trade. Beijing is also the dominant buyer of Iranian crude, taking nearly 90% of the country's oil exports, according to US government figures.

Official Chinese data put bilateral trade with Iran at $9.96 billion in 2025. However, the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission estimated that this excluded around $31.2 billion worth of Iranian crude exports to China that were not officially reported.

The US measures could target Iran-linked activity involving digital assets, technology, gold, aviation, and shipping. China's deep economic ties with Iran face US pressure, with Beijing vowing to protect its interests.

The situation highlights the escalating tensions between the US and Iran, with China firmly opposing US sanctions. The conflict has significant implications for global trade and economic stability.

In conclusion, China's decision to protect its economic interests amid US Iran sanctions reflects the complex geopolitical landscape and the need for nations to balance their economic and strategic interests.

The US sanctions on Iran have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only Iran but also its trading partners, including China. The situation underscores the importance of diplomacy and cooperation in resolving conflicts and promoting economic stability.