US Economic Campaign Against Iran Hits Roadblock in Beijing

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced 'Operation Economic Outcast,' aimed at isolating Iran's economy from the world. However, there's a major hurdle in this effort: China.

China is Iran's biggest trading partner and oil buyer, with over 80% of Iranian oil shipments going to Beijing. The U.S. wants to put maximum pressure on Iran, but must avoid higher tensions with China that could harm the American economy.

In a recent visit, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with U.S. President Donald Trump in Beijing, and a summit between the two leaders is planned for next month. This has led some experts to suggest that both Washington and Beijing will engage in a 'dance,' trying to balance their respective interests without causing a major escalation.

China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that China-Iran cooperation is within international law, and Beijing will take necessary measures to protect its own rights and interests. This response was described as 'a holding response' by Edgard Kagan, a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.