Beijing Rejects US Maximum Pressure Policy

China, a strategic partner of Iran, warned that it “will take all necessary measures to resolutely defend its rights and interests” following the U.S. announcement, which included threats against countries continuing to support Tehran.

Spokesperson Lin Jian of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday that “the policy of maximum pressure, implemented as part of an economic war, does not resolve any issues. Instead, it only exacerbates tensions and conflicts, causes contagion effects, undermines the stability of the global economic and financial system, and harms the legitimate rights and interests of other countries.”

The U.S. Treasury Department announced new sanctions on Monday evening against 60 individuals, entities, and vessels, but the list did not include any Chinese financial institutions suspected of facilitating Iranian oil trade.

Beijing has remained Iran’s largest oil buyer for several years, but U.S. sanctions on Iranian ports have reduced Iranian oil flows to China since Washington reimposed them in mid-July.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he expects to host his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, in September, while Washington strives to avoid any restrictions on Beijing’s exports of critical minerals.