Singapore’s leading Chinese-language newspaper, Lianhe Zaobao, recently reported that the United States has imposed sanctions on a third independent Chinese oil refinery and several port operators accused of importing Iranian oil. The move reflects the broader impact of Washington’s intensified pressure on Tehran’s nuclear program, with China – Iran’s largest oil customer – being directly affected.
This latest round of sanctions targets Hebei Xinhai Chemical Group, an independent refinery, along with three port companies operating in Dongying Port, Shandong Province. The companies are accused of purchasing or facilitating the transport of hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of Iranian crude. Since 2024, Xinhai Chemical has reportedly received several shipments of Iranian oil – over one million barrels in total – delivered through so-called “shadow fleets” via Dongying Port.
A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in the U.S. condemned the sanctions, stating that China has consistently opposed the U.S. practice of imposing unilateral, extraterritorial sanctions and called on Washington to stop interfering in legitimate economic and trade cooperation between China and Iran.
Despite Iranian oil making up approximately 90 percent of Iran’s exports, Chinese customs data has shown no recorded imports from Iran since July 2022. Instead, Iranian crude is often rebranded as originating from countries like Malaysia. In recent months, the U.S. has already sanctioned two other independent Chinese refineries located in Shandong Province.
Source: Lianhe Zaobao, May 9, 2025
https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/china/story20250509-6316676