China Rejects US Pressure, Says Sanctions Will Not Resolve Iran Conflict
“Sanctions and pressure will not help resolve the issue,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters at a briefing, urging all relevant parties to take responsible measures and resolve the crisis through political and diplomatic channels.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – China said Friday that US sanctions and economic pressure would not help resolve the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, after Washington urged Beijing and other governments to join efforts to isolate Iran’s economy.
“Sanctions and pressure will not help resolve the issue,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters at a briefing, urging all relevant parties to take responsible measures and resolve the crisis through political and diplomatic channels.
The remarks come as China-Iran relations face a major test amid the ongoing six-month military conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. Beijing and Tehran maintain close energy and diplomatic ties, although China has generally managed the relationship as a strategic partnership rather than an unconditional alliance, balancing its interests with its broader regional and international priorities.
The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a major point of contention. Tehran has reportedly warned through China’s ambassador that the strategic waterway will remain closed unless the United States allows Iranian oil shipments to reach China.
Following the failure of efforts to reopen the strait, US President Donald Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent threatened tougher sanctions against Iran and called on Beijing to cooperate with Washington’s pressure campaign.
China, however, has rejected unilateral sanctions and pressure, maintaining that such measures are ineffective and should not replace diplomatic efforts.
At the same time, Beijing has sought to position itself as a potential mediator. Trump has said Chinese President Xi Jinping offered to help negotiate a diplomatic solution and pledged not to provide military assistance to Iran during the conflict.
The developments underscore the delicate balance in China-Iran relations as Beijing seeks to protect its energy interests while avoiding direct involvement in the escalating confrontation between Iran and the United States and Israel.