China’s Ministry of Commerce has issued an official directive prohibiting any recognition, enforcement, or compliance with US sanctions imposed on five Chinese petrochemical companies. These American restrictions were slapped due to allegedly confirmed instances of oil trading with Iran.
The ministry explained its decision as a response to what it views as the unjust extraterritorial application of foreign laws. Officials stated that the actions of the United States disrupt healthy commercial activities and directly violate fundamental norms of international relations. Beijing’s stance is reinforced by a statement asserting, “China has always opposed illegal unilateral sanctions that lack a basis in international law and are not authorized by the UN Security Council.” In this context, the Ministry of Commerce has issued an order instructing that the US sanctions against five Chinese enterprises not be recognized, enforced, or complied with.
Earlier, US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz commented on potential retaliatory measures from the American government. Washington is considering starting inspections of cargo ships transporting oil from Iran to China.
