China Vows To Protect Interests Amid US Plan To Widen Economic

The US Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, confirmed the new measures on Monday, warning any nation financially partnering with Iran would be isolated.

China is the biggest buyer of Iranian oil, although the trade has declined under the US blockade of Iran's ports. For related coverage, explore our detailed analysis on Technology and Digital Systems.

Key Analysis and Detailed Timeline

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has responded to the announcement

'We will not be intimidated or bullied into accepting this kind of behaviour,' said Lin Jian, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman.

The US announcement comes ahead of planned talks between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping next month.

Broader Impact and Sector Outlook

Washington is likely to be wary of potential retaliation from Beijing, which processes the majority of the world's rare earths and other critical minerals, crucial in the manufacture of many high-tech products.

The move has been widely criticized

'The sanctions will only serve to deepen divisions between Washington and Beijing,' said Dr. Li Xiaolin, a leading expert on China-US relations.

Read More: Is UK's Storm Shadow missile a game changer for Ukraine

"We also have our own tools and know how to play the game," he said, adding Tehran had been "waiting for these plans for a long time".

Iran says it is 'fully prepared' to counter widened US economic sanctions

China has vowed to protect its interests after the US confirmed plans to widen economic sanctions against Iran and its trading partners, which include Beijing.

Foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian stated China was firmly opposed to what it called "illegal unilateral sanctions" and would take "all necessary measures" to safeguard its rights.

This came after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed the new measures on Monday, warning any nation financially partnering with Iran would be isolated.

Lin stated: "Cooperation between China and Iran has always been conducted within the framework of international law and should not be interfered with or disrupted." Bessent described the new measures as "the single greatest financial offensive ever" against Iran, warning banks and businesses would share in Iran's isolation if they refused to cut ties with the country.

He declined to focus on specific nations, but stated US President Donald Trump would be phoning world leaders "with specific requests to cease their interactions with the regime".