China has warned Washington that it will retaliate if the Trump administration significantly expands its Iran-related secondary sanctions against Chinese companies.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced measures on Monday targeting companies in mainland China and Hong Kong. Washington stopped short of sanctioning major Chinese financial institutions.
“China will take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard its rights and interests,” a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday.
“China has made clear on many occasions its firm opposition to illicit unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law or the authorisation of the UN Security Council,” they said.
“The pressing task is to facilitate de-escalation of the situation and return to dialogue and negotiation as soon as possible,” they added.
