China Rejects US Sanctions Threat Over Iran Trade Ties

China denounced the United States' plan to expand sanctions on Iran and its trading partners, with foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian called the move "illegal unilateral sanctions" and vowed to protect Beijing's interests. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the new measures to isolate countries like Iran's largest oil buyer, China's largest buyer of Iranian oil, with the US blockade of Iranian ports, with the US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday. Lin Jian defended the relationship, saying cooperation between China and Iran should not be interfered with. The announcement comes ahead of planned talks between Trump and Xi Jinping next month, adding tension to the diplomatic moment. China controls most of the world's rare earths and has previously tightened export controls during trade negotiations. Iran's economy minister said Tehran was "fully prepared" for the sanctions.