In response to U.S. warnings of sanctions against countries that trade with or economically support Iran, the Chinese government has stated that it will safeguard its legitimate rights and interests through necessary measures.

During a regular press briefing today, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian addressed warnings from the U.S. Treasury Secretary regarding secondary sanctions on countries trading and doing business with Iran, stating, "Sanctions and pressure do not help solve problems; they only escalate tensions and worsen the situation, serving the interests of neither side."

He went on to urge all parties to maintain rationality and restraint, avoiding actions that could further escalate contradictions and conflicts or shock global economic development and financial stability.

He added, "We urge a return to the correct track of dialogue, negotiation, and political settlement as soon as possible. China will closely monitor related developments and take necessary measures to defend its legitimate rights and interests."

Earlier, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned in an op-ed published by the Financial Times on the 23rd local time, pointing to acts such as purchasing and transporting Iranian oil or facilitating capital flows through currency exchanges and free trade zones as an "economic lifeline," and cautioned that "any nation will share in that isolation."

According to energy analytics firm Kpler, China was the largest importer last year, purchasing over 80 percent of Iran's maritime crude oil exports.

U.S. President Donald Trump also indirectly pressured China on the 19th by vowing an "economic isolation campaign" against Iran.

Through Truth Social, he asserted that any country allowing any form of lifeline to be provided to Iran would pay a heavy economic price.

Following President Trump's remarks, China belatedly disclosed that the Iranian deputy foreign minister had visited the country.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced via its website on the 23rd that Vice Foreign Minister Miao Deyu met with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi in Beijing on the 17th.

According to the Foreign Ministry, Deputy Minister Gharibabadi briefed China on the latest developments in the Gulf region and Iran's position, stating, "In the face of changes in the Gulf situation, Iran is resolutely safeguarding its sovereignty and security while remaining willing to continue resolving issues through diplomatic negotiations."

Gharibabadi further emphasized that Iran and China have maintained close communication and coordination on major international and regional issues.

Vice Minister Miao stated, "China is closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East and the Gulf, and is actively striving to promote reconciliation and dialogue. Upholding the spirit of the 'four proposals' put forward by President Xi Jinping regarding safeguarding and promoting Middle East peace and stability, China will continue to work toward the early restoration of peace and tranquility in the region."

The "four proposals" presented by President Xi in April refer to upholding peaceful coexistence, upholding national sovereignty, upholding international rule of law, and upholding comprehensive principles of development and security.

(Photo provided by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yonhap News)