China Vows to Protect Interests as US Widens Iran Sanctions

China has vowed to protect its interests after the US announced plans to widen sanctions against Iran and its trading partners, including Beijing.

Foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian called the move "illegal unilateral sanctions" and said China would take "all necessary measures" to safeguard its rights. China remains the largest buyer of Iranian oil though trade has fallen under the US blockade of Iran's ports.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the measures on Monday, calling them "the single greatest financial offensive ever" against Iran. He warned that any nation partnering financially with Iran would face isolation, and said President Trump would personally call world leaders urging them to cut ties with Tehran. Asked about Chinese banks, Bessent said no one was "above the reach of US sanctions."

The announcement comes ahead of planned talks between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping next month. Beijing, which controls most of the world's rare earth supply, has previously tightened export controls during trade negotiations with Washington.

Iran's Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh said Tehran was "fully prepared" citing a two-year contingency plan.