China said it will “firmly safeguard” its interests after new U.S. Iran sanctions.
Why it matters: The escalation raises the risk of secondary sanctions for Chinese firms and banks doing business tied to Iran. It could also ripple through shipping routes, oil flows and broader U.S.-China tensions.
- On Aug. 25, 2026, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said China would “firmly safeguard” its rights and interests.
- The U.S. Treasury expanded Iran-related sanctions on Aug. 25 and named entities and individuals based in China.
- Lin said China opposes unilateral sanctions without international law or UN Security Council authorization.
- AP reported Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the U.S. would move quickly against countries or entities that keep doing business with Iran.
China pushed back sharply after the U.S. expanded sanctions tied to Iran on Aug. 25, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian saying Beijing would “take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard its own rights and interests.”
At a regular briefing in Beijing, Lin said China opposes “illicit unilateral sanctions” that have no basis in international law or UN Security Council authorization. He also argued that sanctions and “economic warfare” do not solve the conflict. The ministry said China-Iran cooperation “should not be disrupted or undermined.” Read the Foreign Ministry briefing
The U.S. Treasury said its latest action expanded Iran-related sanctions and included entities and individuals based in China. Treasury warned that countries and firms doing business with Iran could face consequences. See the Treasury announcement
AP reported Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said “no one is above the reach of U.S. sanctions” and that the administration would move quickly against countries or entities that continue doing business with Iran. AP coverage
The dispute matters because China is a major buyer of Iranian oil, and Beijing wants its cooperation with Tehran to continue. The latest U.S. pressure also comes amid broader tensions over the Strait of Hormuz and war-related fallout in the Middle East. More on the regional backdrop
By the numbers
- Aug. 25, 2026 - Date the U.S. Treasury expanded Iran-related sanctions.
- Aug. 25, 2026 - Date China responded publicly at a Foreign Ministry briefing.
Yes, but: The dossier does not specify how many entities were designated or whether any specific Chinese banks or refiners were named, which limits how far this escalation may go.
What's next: U.S. enforcement against countries or firms that keep doing business with Iran may follow quickly, according to AP's reporting on Bessent's comments.