China has issued a warning to the United States regarding the protection of its financial interests in Iran. This follows additional economic sanctions imposed by President Donald Trump on Tehran, urging other nations to join in his efforts.
China is Iran’s major trade partner and sourced over 95% of its crude oil from Iran before hostilities began. Chinese oil refineries, known for circumventing sanctions, obtained crude oil from Iran’s network of vessels and intermediaries at reduced prices.
Trump’s strategy of pressuring governments is a challenge to China’s relationship with Iran, as well as a gamble on maintaining U.S.-China stability. This is crucial ahead of Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s state visit to the U.S. next month, which is his first in over ten years.
“Economic war and maximum pressure will not solve the issue and will only further escalate tensions,” stated Lin Jian, a representative of the Chinese Foreign Ministry. “Cooperation between China and Iran complies with international law and should remain undisrupted,” she added.
China’s government has strategic leverage to consider before distancing from Tehran, an ally. Trump aims to secure better trade deals with China, including enhanced access for U.S. businesses, which could be impacted by Xi’s visit. China has shown it can influence the U.S. regarding such political matters, as demonstrated by the halted $14 billion U.S. arms sale to Taiwan, potentially jeopardizing Trump’s summit with Xi.
The Trump administration recognizes China’s role in stabilizing a global energy crisis, triggered by Middle East conflicts, using its vast oil stockpile to reduce imports and stabilize prices. Acknowledging this, though, conflicts with Trump’s strategy, as China had cushioned the crisis, preventing extended spikes in U.S. fuel prices.
China’s attention to these developments remains sharp. Lin highlighted that China is prepared to take necessary actions to defend its rights and interests.