China Says Its Cooperation with Iran Should Not Be Interfered With - Reuters

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian responded on Tuesday to new U.S. threats of sanctions against Iran's allies, making clear that China's cooperation with Iran is conducted within the framework of international law and should not be interfered with or undermined. This statement underscores China's consistent stance on the Iran issue, opposing unilateral sanctions and "long-arm jurisdiction."

**China's Position: Cooperation Is Legal, Opposing Unilateral Sanctions**

According to Reuters, Lin Jian's remarks directly responded to recent U.S. moves to sanction entities with business ties to Iran. China stressed that normal economic, trade, and energy cooperation between China and Iran is legitimate and lawful. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has previously stated its opposition to unilateral sanctions on multiple occasions. Analysts suggest that amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East and increased U.S. pressure on Iran, China's statement aims to safeguard the stability of its energy supply chain and its legitimate cooperation rights under international law.

**Strategic Considerations: Energy Security and Diplomatic Balance**

China is a major buyer of Iranian oil, and ensuring stable energy import channels is crucial to the industrial heartland of the "world's factory." Although China holds certain oil reserves, a prolonged supply disruption would still have an impact. Meanwhile, China is attempting to play a more active role in the complex regional dynamics. According to reports, China and Pakistan have recently proposed a five-point plan aimed at ending the war in Iran, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz, signaling Beijing's intent to balance regional stability with its own economic interests.

**U.S. Pressure and China's Confidence**

The U.S. has recently issued continued threats, with the Trump administration vowing to make Iran experience an "economic D-Day" and punish countries providing a "lifeline" to Iran. However, some argue that as the U.S. shifts some military assets away from the Pacific to support Middle East operations, China may feel more confident. Wu Xinbo, a U.S. studies scholar at Shanghai's Fudan University, analyzed that U.S. threats expose its "desperation" on the Iran issue, issuing threats not because they are feasible but because there is "no other choice." Wang Zichen, an analyst at the Center for China and Globalization, believes that neither side wants the Iran issue to disrupt the upcoming China-U.S. summit visit.