China has firmly rejected recent United States sanctions targeting Chinese firms accused of purchasing Iranian oil, according to a statement from Beijing’s commerce ministry on Saturday. The ministry declared that China will not recognize, implement, or comply with the US measures, describing them as violations of international law and fundamental principles governing state relations.
The United States has increased sanctions on several Chinese refineries, particularly independent “teapot” refineries known to process discounted Iranian crude. Washington’s aim is to cut off revenue streams to Tehran amid ongoing tensions following US-Israeli military strikes on Iran in late February. On Friday, the US expanded its sanctions list to include Qingdao Haiye Oil Terminal Co., Ltd., citing its importation of tens of millions of barrels of Iranian crude, which Washington says generated billions of dollars in revenue for Iran.
China’s injunction specifically covers five companies: three located in Shandong province—Shandong Jincheng Petrochemical Group, Shandong Shouguang Luqing Petrochemical, and Shandong Shengxing Chemical—and two others, Hengli Petrochemical (Dalian) Refinery and Hebei Xinhai Chemical Group. Notably, Qingdao Haiye Oil Terminal was not included in the Chinese ministry’s statement.
The commerce ministry criticized the sanctions for improperly restricting Chinese enterprises from engaging in normal economic and trade activities with third countries. It reiterated China’s longstanding opposition to unilateral sanctions imposed without United Nations authorization or a legal basis under international law.
The dispute highlights the broader geopolitical stalemate between Washington and Tehran, with no immediate resolution apparent. While the US continues to pursue economic measures to pressure Iran, China maintains its position as a significant purchaser of Iranian oil, particularly through smaller refineries benefiting from discounted crude supplies. The escalating sanctions and Beijing’s rejection underscore ongoing tensions in global efforts to address the complex dynamics surrounding Iran’s oil exports and nuclear-related activities.