China defends cooperation with Iran, warns against disrupting it

Skip to Content News Archives Economy Energy Oil & Gas Renewables Electric Vehicles Mining Commodities Agriculture Real Estate Mortgages Mortgage Rates Finance Banking Insurance Fintech Cryptocurrency Work Wealth Smart Money Wealth Management Investor Personal Finance Family Finance Retirement Taxes High Net Worth FP Comment Executive Women Puzzmo Newsletters Financial Times Business Essentials More Innovation Information Technology FP500 Podcasts Small Business Lives Told Tails Told Shopping Financial Post Store Obituaries Place a Notice Advertising Advertising With Us Advertising Solutions Postmedia Ad Manager Sponsorship Requests Classifieds Place a Classifieds ad Working Profile Settings My Subscriptions My Offers Newsletters Customer Service FAQ News Economy Energy Mining Real Estate Finance Work Wealth Investor FP Comment Executive Women Puzzmo Newsletters Financial Times Business Essentials This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.HomeNewsEconomyChina defends cooperation with Iran, warns against disrupting itThe U.S. Treasury Department earlier unveiled Operation Economic Outcast, aimed at severing Iran’s financial lifelinesAuthor of the article:Last updated 32 minutes ago China buys the bulk of Iran’s oil and was its second-largest trading partner in 2025, behind the United Arab Emirates. Photo by Iranian Presidency/Handout/Anadolu via Getty ImagesBeijing threatened to retaliate against the United States and signalled it won’t back away from its cooperation with Iran after the Trump administration’s latest sanctions targeted businesses in China and Hong Kong.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLYSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESCreate an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountSpeaking on Tuesday at a regular press briefing in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian gave China’s first official reaction to measures announced by Washington, saying it opposes unilateral sanctions and warning they risk worsening conflicts. The most urgent task is to de-escalate tensions and return to negotiations, he said.When asked about Beijing’s response to the steps taken by the U.S. against Iran and threats made against its trading partners, Lin reiterated that China would act to protect itself.SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVE: FP West: Energy Insider brings you behind the oilpatch’s closed doors with exclusive insights from insiders every Wednesday morning.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of FP West: Energy Insider will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again“China’s cooperation with Iran has always been conducted within the international framework and should not be interfered with or undermined,” he said. “China is closely monitoring relevant developments and will take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard its own interests.”Hours earlier, the U.S. Treasury Department unveiled a package targeting dozens of individuals and entities as part of what Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described as Operation Economic Outcast, a broader campaign aimed at severing Iran’s remaining financial lifelines.Despite the inclusion of Hong Kong-based entities, the U.S. avoided targeting major Chinese financial institutions. The measures suggest Washington is seeking to raise the costs of doing business with Tehran without yet confronting the broader economic and diplomatic fallout that could come from sanctioning large Chinese banks.China buys the bulk of Iran’s oil and was its second-largest trading partner in 2025, behind the United Arab Emirates, which has said it cut all economic ties with Tehran after accusing it of firing ballistic missiles at its territory.We apologize, but this video has failed to load.This advertisement has not loaded yet.Notice for the Postmedia NetworkThis website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.