China pushed back Tuesday against new U.S. sanctions targeting Iran, warning it will take steps to protect its own economic interests, according to The New York Times. The response raised the prospect of fresh friction between Washington and Beijing. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Monday the administration intends to “sever every economic lifeline” to Iran, targeting companies and shipping operations that continue funding the country.
The sanctions list included more than 60 brokers, companies and ships, among them more than a dozen small firms in Hong Kong and mainland China. Notably absent were major players in China’s banking system, which some analysts said signals reluctance in Washington to jeopardize a fragile truce with Beijing. China responded forcefully anyway. Lin Jian, a spokesman for China’s foreign ministry, said Tuesday that Beijing will “take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard its own rights and interests.”
