China said it would closely monitor new United States sanctions on Iran and take necessary steps to protect its rights and interests. The measures are expected to extend beyond Tehran and affect countries and companies that continue trading with it.
Washington planned to unveil the package on Monday as part of a sharper campaign against the Iranian economy. The threat to trading partners turns the sanctions into a wider test of extraterritorial American financial power.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the coming package as Washington's strongest sanctions effort against Iran and publicly urged China to cooperate. Beijing's participation would be central to the effectiveness of restrictions aimed at international trade.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian called for rationality and restraint. He argued that pressure and sanctions do not resolve international disputes, signaling that China does not accept Washington's preferred mechanism for changing Iranian conduct.
The exchange leaves both governments positioned for a new dispute over enforcement, trade and jurisdiction. China's promise to protect its interests raises the prospect of countermeasures if American penalties target Chinese entities doing business with Iran.
