China pushes back against Trump’s talk of economic warfare against Iran
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- Beijing says sanctions and economic pressure will not resolve outstanding issues with Iran.
- China could be significantly affected by US measures because it buys more than 80 percent of Iran’s seaborne oil exports.
China has pushed back against US President Donald Trump’s “economic D-Day” campaign against Iran, warning that additional sanctions and economic pressure will not help resolve disputes with Tehran.
“Imposing sanctions and pressuring do not help to solve the issue,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told reporters in Beijing.
“China calls on relevant parties to take responsible measures and solve the issues through diplomatic and political means,” he added.
Beijing could be among the countries most affected by any new US measures targeting Iran’s oil trade.
According to 2025 data from energy analytics firm Kpler, China purchased more than 80 percent of Iran’s seaborne oil exports.
The figures highlight the potential impact of Washington’s threatened economic measures on China’s energy supplies and commercial ties with Iran.
Trump has threatened countries that continue to help or conduct business with Iran with severe economic consequences, as Washington seeks to increase pressure on Tehran.
China has repeatedly opposed unilateral sanctions and called for disputes involving Iran to be addressed through diplomatic and political channels rather than economic coercion.
