China has strongly opposed planned new US economic sanctions against Iran and parties maintaining commercial ties with Tehran, saying it will take necessary measures to protect its legitimate rights and interests. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the sanctions plan on Monday.

Lin described the proposed US actions as unilateral and illegal sanctions that China does not support. Bessent warned that any country maintaining financial relations with Iran could face efforts to isolate it from the global economic system. China is Iran’s largest buyer of oil, although US sanctions and pressure concerning Iranian ports have recently affected oil trade between the two countries.

Lin said China-Iran cooperation has long been conducted in accordance with international law. He added that no outside party should interfere with or obstruct normal trade and cooperation between China and Iran. China said it would adopt measures as needed to safeguard national interests.