On August 24, the United States launched Operation Economic Outcast, a new campaign aimed at economically isolating Iran and targeting its financial and commercial networks. The Trump administration also warned countries and entities continuing to support Iran that they could face U.S. sanctions.
Xinhua News Agency reported China’s response, emphasizing that its cooperation with Iran has always been conducted within the framework of international law.
At a regular press briefing on August 25, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said China has repeatedly expressed its firm opposition to unilateral sanctions that lack a basis in international law and have not been authorized by the UN Security Council.
Lin said economic warfare and “maximum pressure” would not help resolve disputes but would instead further intensify tensions and conflicts, create spillover risks, disrupt the global economic and financial order, and harm the legitimate rights and interests of other countries. He said the immediate priority should be to de-escalate the situation and return to dialogue and negotiations as soon as possible.
Lin said China’s cooperation with Iran has always been conducted within the framework of international law and should not be interfered with or disrupted. He added that China is closely monitoring relevant developments and will take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard its rights and interests.
Source: Xinhua, August 25, 2026
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