China Threatens Retaliation Over US Sanctions on Iran Oil Trade

China has warned the US that it may retaliate if Washington expands secondary sanctions on Chinese companies involved in Iran's oil trade. The warning comes after the Trump administration announced new sanctions targeting Hong Kong and mainland China as part of a broader crackdown on Iran's oil exports.

The US measures, which did not target major Chinese financial institutions, have been met with opposition from Beijing. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson stated that China would take 'all necessary measures' to safeguard its rights and interests, reiterating China's opposition to unilateral sanctions lacking a basis in international law or UN Security Council authorization.

China is Iran's largest oil customer, accounting for about 90% of Iran's oil exports. While Chinese state-owned refiners largely comply with US sanctions on Iranian crude, smaller private refiners known as 'teapots' continue to import and process Iranian oil.