US Sanctions on Iran Send Ripples Through Sino-US Relations
The United States has imposed sweeping sanctions on nearly 60 Iran-linked entities in an attempt to 'sever every economic lifeline' that sustains Tehran. The measures target digital assets, technology, gold, aviation, and shipping, with more than a dozen Hong Kong- and mainland-based entities and individuals named.
The Chinese foreign ministry has denounced the sanctions as 'illegal unilateral sanctions,' vowing to take all necessary measures to safeguard its rights and interests. Washington also signaled a readiness to deploy secondary sanctions on countries that refuse to cut economic ties with Iran.
Among those targeted were Hong Kong-based Sweet Ocean, which allegedly acted as an intermediary for the acquisition of sensitive equipment bound for the heavily sanctioned Malek Ashtar University in Iran. Other firms, including Feili Co and Minvur, allegedly transferred capital to Sweet Ocean and facilitated payments for Iran's 'shadow banking' networks.
US authorities also accused Hong Kong-registered Riqueza and China-based Lilimoon Navigation of owning foreign-flagged ships transporting Iranian crude to China, Tehran's biggest oil buyer. The fresh sanctions complicate an already delicate diplomatic detente between Washington and Beijing.