China Refuses to Play Ball with US Sanctions on Iran

China is refusing to support US economic sanctions on Iran, threatening to disrupt Washington's efforts to strangle the country economically. The Trump administration has been trying to curb Iranian oil exports and force Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which it restricted in February in response to American and Israeli attacks.

The US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is calling on countries around the world to participate in the sanctions campaign, warning that those who do not will face 'economic annihilation'. However, China, as the second-largest economy on the planet and one of the most important buyers of Iranian oil, has made it clear that it will not cooperate with the US efforts.

Beijing's response was unequivocal, with a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry stating that China believes 'military means, sanctions, and pressure tactics are not a solution' to the crisis. China supports dialogue and negotiation instead.