China Rejects US Push for Unilateral Sanctions on Iran

Beijing says measures without UN Security Council authorization lack legal basis, warning that pressure risks escalating tensions.

Overview

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent publicly warned of “the toughest sanctions in history” on Iran and urged China to cooperate, prompting a formal Chinese response.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian posted on the ministry’s X account and told reporters on Friday that China opposes unilateral sanctions that are not authorized by the UN Security Council.
Lin said military measures, sanctions and pressure will heighten tensions and urged the United States and Iran to resolve disputes through dialogue and negotiation.
State-affiliated outlets including Global Times and reporting carried by IRNA repeated Beijing’s position, showing coordinated official and public diplomacy from China.
China’s refusal to back unilateral U.S. measures could complicate enforcement of any sanctions and deepens a policy rift with Washington over how to manage Iran and regional stability.