Beijing urged Washington to lift its sanctions on Chinese companies and citizens linked to Iran. China argued that such unilateral measures have negative consequences not only for trade but also for global energy security and stable supply.
Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson Huang Ling said at a press conference on Thursday that they firmly oppose unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law or authorization from the United Nations Security Council.
Ling said the United States had imposed sanctions on Chinese companies and citizens allegedly linked to Iran despite Beijing’s repeated objections. The Chinese spokesperson expressed strong dissatisfaction with these measures and firm opposition to their implementation.
Beijing warns Washington over energy and trade
Huang Ling said the United States’ unilateral sanctions interfere with normal trade and economic exchanges between the countries concerned. Ling also said the measures disrupt global energy security and stable supply.
The Chinese spokesperson called on Washington to immediately correct its misguided measures and lift the sanctions imposed on the Chinese companies and citizens concerned. He also said Beijing would resolutely protect the legitimate rights and interests of its companies and citizens.
US sanctions in July
In July, Washington announced sanctions on six individuals and entities in four countries accused of supporting Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Mahan Air, described as the organization’s main transportation network. China was among the countries targeted by the sanctions.
The US policy of isolating Tehran from the global financial system came in the aftermath of the US-Iran war that began on February 28. The tensions are unfolding as a planned reciprocal visit to the United States by Chinese President Xi Jinping remains under discussion following US President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing in May.
