China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson: Beijing-Tehran Trade Ties Comply with International Law

China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a press briefing on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 (3 Shahrivar 1405), responding to US threats to sanction countries with economic ties to Iran, that trade relations between Beijing and Tehran comply with international law. According to Donya e Eqtesad, citing IRNA and Al Arabiya, the remarks followed US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's statement last week that Washington would impose the "toughest sanctions in history" on Iran and his call for China to cooperate.

The Chinese spokesperson added that Beijing is closely following related developments and will take necessary measures to protect its legitimate rights and interests. He had also warned on Monday (2 Shahrivar) that sanctions and pressure do not help resolve issues and only escalate tensions. On Monday the US Treasury sanctioned nearly 60 entities and vessels under its "Operation Economic Outcast" campaign, but stopped short of targeting the major Chinese banks that buy most of Iran's seaborne oil.