China has called on the United States and Iran to engage in dialogue as Washington threatens to impose new sanctions. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian made the appeal in a statement posted on X on Friday, according to Al Jazeera. The report was published on August 21, 2026.

Lin said China opposes unilateral sanctions that lack a basis in international law and authorization from the United Nations Security Council. He said the use of military force and pressure tactics would only heighten tensions and would not serve anyone’s interests.

The Chinese spokesperson urged all relevant parties to act responsibly and said disputes should be resolved through dialogue and negotiations. The source did not provide details about the proposed sanctions, any planned talks between Washington and Tehran, or responses from the United States and Iran.