**China Rejects US Demand to Join Sanctions Against Iran**
In a significant diplomatic development, China has firmly declined the United States' request to participate in what the US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described as the "toughest sanctions in history" against Iran. The US is gearing up to implement a comprehensive strategy aimed at isolating Iran economically, which includes a naval blockade and stringent sanctions.
On Thursday, Bessent urged allies and other nations to align with the US and cease business dealings with Iran. He characterized the upcoming sanctions as a "one-two punch" designed to "squash" the Iranian economy and potentially destabilize its government. This strategy is part of a broader US initiative that President Donald Trump has termed an "economic D-Day," signaling a decisive shift in US policy towards Tehran.
In response, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington emphasized that sanctions and pressure are ineffective means of resolving the situation regarding Iran. "China calls on the relevant parties to take responsible actions and resolve the issue through political and diplomatic means," the spokesperson stated. This position reflects China's long-standing preference for dialogue and negotiation over punitive measures.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian reiterated this stance, asserting that "sanctions and pressure tactics are not the solution" and advocating for a diplomatic approach to the ongoing tensions. This rejection of US sanctions is particularly notable given China's status as the largest importer of Iranian oil, having accounted for over 80% of Iran's crude exports in 2025, according to data from Kpler.
Bessent's comments came in the wake of President Trump’s threats of "tremendous economic consequences" for countries that continue to support Iran. However, China has dismissed these threats, indicating that its energy supply strategy is diversified and not solely dependent on Iranian oil. In 2025, China sourced 36% of its crude oil from Gulf nations such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Iraq, while also importing significant quantities from Russia and other non-Gulf producers.
China's energy imports are further diversified through liquefied natural gas (LNG), with approximately 30% of its LNG imports passing through the Strait of Hormuz. However, Beijing has also established robust supply routes from Russia and Central Asia, reducing its reliance on any single source or route.
The ongoing tensions between the US and Iran, coupled with China's refusal to comply with US sanctions, highlight the complexities of international relations in the region. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has also responded to the US's aggressive stance, asserting that "doubling down on failed policies will only bring further defeat" and labeling the US approach as "economic terrorism" that threatens global economic stability.
As the US prepares to unveil its comprehensive sanctions plan, the international community will be closely watching how these developments unfold and how they may impact geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East and beyond.