China warns US sanctions on Iran could deepen tensions and threaten global stability
Beijing urges Washington and Tehran to return to dialogue as US weighs secondary sanctions
By The South Asia Times
BEIJING — China warned Monday that sanctions and other pressure measures against Iran would not resolve disputes but could instead intensify tensions and threaten global economic and financial stability, according to state-run Global Times.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks at a regular press conference in Beijing in response to questions about possible US secondary sanctions on countries that continue trading with Iran.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has threatened to impose secondary sanctions on countries doing business with Iran, raising concerns among countries that maintain trade and energy ties with Tehran. China is a major buyer of Iranian oil.
“Sanctions and pressure do not help solve problems; they only intensify tensions and escalate the situation,” Lin said, urging all parties to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could further aggravate conflicts or disrupt global economic development.
China called on the parties to return as soon as possible to what Lin described as the correct track of dialogue, negotiation and political settlement.
Lin said Beijing would closely monitor developments and “take necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests,” without specifying what steps China might take if Washington imposes secondary sanctions.
The warning comes amid heightened tensions surrounding Iran and the United States following renewed military confrontation and stalled diplomatic efforts.
China has repeatedly opposed unilateral sanctions imposed outside the framework of the United Nations and has maintained economic and energy ties with Iran.
Beijing has also sought to position itself as a supporter of diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the Middle East, while emphasizing that disputes should be resolved through dialogue rather than coercive measures.
