Key facts
- China opposes unilateral sanctions lacking international law or UN Security Council mandate.
- China urged the US and Iran to resolve tensions through dialogue and negotiation.
- US President Donald Trump announced plans for a major economic operation against Iran.
- China warned that military action and pressure tactics would escalate tensions.
China has urged the United States and Iran to engage in dialogue to resolve escalating tensions, particularly in light of threatened sanctions from Washington. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that China "opposes unilateral sanctions that lack basis in international law and UN Security Council mandate." He further warned that "military force and pressure tactics will only lead to escalation that serves no one’s interests."
These remarks follow US President Donald Trump's announcement of what he described as "the most crushing economic operation ever taken" against Iran. Lin Jian emphasized that sanctions and pressure would not help resolve the issue, calling instead for responsible actions and a political and diplomatic solution through dialogue and negotiation. The ministry reiterated that military action or sanctions would not solve the conflict and only serve to escalate tensions.