China has cautioned the United States against harming its financial interests in Iran following President Donald Trump’s recent imposition of further economic sanctions on Tehran. The new measures from Trump demand that global powers join his effort, raising challenges for both China and the U.S.
Beijing is Iran’s foremost trade ally and previously purchased over 95 percent of its crude oil. China’s refineries circumvented sanctions, acquiring oil at discounted rates via Iran’s complex network of vessels and intermediaries.
Trump’s intention to isolate Iran economically globally tests Beijing’s loyalty to Tehran. It also seeks to maintain diplomatic stability with Washington before Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s highly anticipated U.S. state visit next month—his first in over a decade.
“Economic war and maximum pressure will not resolve the issue and will only escalate tensions, create spillover risks, disrupt the global economic and financial order, and harm the legitimate rights and interests of other countries,” Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, stated.
The spokesperson emphasized that the cooperation between China and Iran adheres to international legal frameworks and should remain undisturbed.
Xi’s government possesses strategic options to consider before severing ties with Tehran. Trump’s focus on securing better trade terms with China, especially for American businesses, could be compromised if Xi’s visit is portrayed as an U.S. victory against Iran.
Beijing has shown the White House is flexible to its mandates tied to Xi’s visit. A significant $14 billion U.S. arms deal to Taiwan, claimed by China, is currently stalled after warnings it might hinder Trump’s next summit with Xi.
Trump faces the reality that China has significantly mitigated the global energy crisis resulting from Middle Eastern conflict through its large domestic crude oil reserves. This capability allowed China to slash imports quickly, averting a spike in oil prices that could have increased U.S. fuel costs.
The Trump administration indirectly recognized this by exempting Iran’s maritime oil exports from the blockade with two waivers, now expired. They were initially intended as leverage over Tehran.
“China is closely monitoring related developments and will take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard its rights and interests,” affirmed Lin, the Chinese government spokesperson.
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