China Denounces US Sanctions on Refineries Linked to Iran

BEIJING — China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday sharply condemned the United States for imposing sanctions on Chinese refineries, accusing Washington of overreaching its authority and interfering in sovereign economic matters.

The diplomatic row erupted after the U.S. Treasury Department announced measures targeting several Chinese refineries alleged to have processed Iranian crude oil in violation of international restrictions. The sanctions, which include asset freezes and restrictions on transactions with U.S. financial institutions, were designed to pressure Beijing to halt energy imports from Tehran.

In a press briefing at the ministry, a spokesperson stated that the U.S. actions constituted an abuse of extraterritorial jurisdiction. The official emphasized that China’s energy sector operates in full compliance with international law and that the sanctions would harm global energy security and supply chains.

"The United States has no right to impose unilateral sanctions on Chinese enterprises," the spokesperson said. "We urge the U.S. to immediately revoke these measures and stop interfering in China's internal affairs."

The U.S. has long sought to isolate Iran’s oil sector, arguing that revenue from crude exports funds Tehran’s nuclear program and regional activities. Washington has previously targeted shipping vessels and intermediaries involved in the trade, but the move against Chinese refineries marks a significant escalation in the dispute.

Chinese officials have consistently denied that their refineries process Iranian oil in violation of sanctions, asserting that any imports are conducted legally and transparently. The ministry noted that China remains committed to resolving the Iran nuclear issue through diplomatic channels.

The sanctions are expected to complicate ongoing trade negotiations between the two nations. Analysts suggest the move could strain relations further, particularly as both countries navigate broader geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.

The U.S. State Department has not yet issued a formal response to China’s condemnation. However, officials in Washington have reiterated that the sanctions are necessary to uphold international norms and prevent illicit financial flows.

It remains unclear whether China will retaliate with countermeasures or seek to resolve the dispute through diplomatic engagement. The situation continues to develop as both sides assess the economic and political implications of the sanctions.