China slams US sanctions targeting firms buying Iranian oil

China has rejected US sanctions targeting several refineries and companies accused of purchasing Iranian oil, saying it will not recognise or implement the measures, according to a statement from Beijing.

In an announcement on Saturday, China’s commerce ministry said the country firmly opposes unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States on firms engaged in normal economic and trade activities with third countries.

The ministry said the sanctions “shall not be recognised, implemented, or complied with”, arguing that they violate international law and the basic norms of international relations.

The US recently expanded restrictions on firms linked to Iranian crude imports, including several Chinese companies. Washington says the measures are aimed at cutting off revenue to Tehran amid ongoing tensions following the conflict involving the United States and Israel.

China remains one of the largest buyers of Iranian oil, with much of the trade flowing through independent refineries commonly known as “teapot” refineries, which rely heavily on discounted crude.

The companies named in China’s statement include refineries in Shandong province such as Shandong Jincheng Petrochemical Group, Shandong Shouguang Luqing Petrochemical, and Shandong Shengxing Chemical, as well as Hengli Petrochemical (Dalian) Refinery and Hebei Xinhai Chemical Group.

However, a separate US sanctions announcement on Friday also targeted Qingdao Haiye Oil Terminal Company Limited, accusing it of handling large volumes of Iranian crude worth billions of dollars. That company was not mentioned in China’s response.

The dispute comes amid a prolonged diplomatic deadlock between Washington and Tehran, following the conflict that erupted with US-Israeli strikes on Iran earlier this year. Efforts to reach a lasting agreement have so far failed.

The development also adds another layer of tension in US-China relations, with US President Donald Trump expected to visit China later this month for talks with President Xi Jinping.