China has strongly condemned the latest sanctions imposed by the United States on several Chinese companies accused of helping Iran strengthen its military capabilities. Beijing called the measures “illegal” and promised to defend the rights and interests of its businesses against what it described as unfair foreign pressure, according to Mehr News Agency.
Speaking at a regular press briefing on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Chinese companies operate according to international and domestic laws. He stressed that China would continue to protect lawful trade and oppose unilateral sanctions imposed by Washington.
Guo also warned that rising tensions in the Middle East could further damage regional stability. He said the world’s immediate priority should be preventing another wave of conflict instead of blaming and targeting other nations.
The remarks come at a sensitive moment in global politics, just days before a planned visit by US President Donald Trump to China. Relations between the two powers are already strained over trade, technology, and foreign policy disputes.
Last week, the US Treasury Department announced sanctions against ten individuals and companies, including several based in China and Hong Kong. Washington claims these entities helped Iran obtain materials and technology connected to the production of Shahed drones and ballistic missiles.
According to the Treasury Department, the sanctions are aimed at weakening Iran’s military manufacturing network and limiting its ability to produce advanced weapons. The US also warned that foreign businesses and financial institutions dealing with Iran could face secondary sanctions, including Chinese oil refineries purchasing Iranian crude.
In a rare and bold response, China has reportedly activated a “blocking rule,” instructing Chinese companies not to comply with certain US sanctions. The move signals Beijing’s growing resistance to Washington’s long-running “maximum pressure” campaign against Tehran and highlights the deepening rivalry between the world’s two largest economies.
