China's Role in US Economic Campaign Against Iran Raises Questions

The Trump administration's new economic campaign against Iran has a potential hurdle: China. The US is trying to isolate Iran from its remaining economic partners, but Beijing is Tehran's largest trading partner and oil buyer.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced 'Operation Economic Outcast,' which targets nearly 60 Iran-linked entities accused of supporting the country's nuclear and missile programs, cyber activities, and oil shipments. However, specifics on how the US will target China were absent from Bessent's remarks.

Analysts say that the Trump administration is likely to tread carefully when dealing with China, given the fragile trade truce between the two nations. 'The real question is whether there's room to push the Chinese to reduce what they're doing with Iran,' said Edgard Kagan, a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

China has stated that its cooperation with Iran is within international law and will not be disrupted or undermined. Beijing receives over 80% of Iranian oil shipments through indirect channels. 'We are closely monitoring relevant developments and will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard our own rights and interests,' said Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry.

While China is unlikely to go along with the US campaign if its goal is to destroy the Iranian economy, analysts say that it may be willing to cooperate if the aim is to exert pressure on Iran to make concessions. 'If the goal is to exert enough pressure for Iran to make concessions on the Strait of Hormuz and potentially ending the conflict, I think China can and will demonstrate its cooperation,' said Sun Yun, director of the China program at the Stimson Center.