China vows all necessary measures to protect interests after US sanctions on Iran hit Hong Kong firms

China warned Tuesday that its cooperation with Iran "must not be interfered with or undermined" after the US launched new sanctions against Tehran, which targeted two Hong Kong-based companies but no mainland Chinese entities. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian stated that China-Iran cooperation has always been conducted within international law, and Beijing will take "all necessary measures" to protect its rights and interests, without specifying actions. He rejected economic warfare and maximum pressure, urging de-escalation and dialogue. The US "Economic Pariah" operation announced Monday sanctions over 60 entities, including Hong Kong firms Selenium Resources and Clever Shipping, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warning "no one is beyond the reach" of US sanctions. China, which buys about 90% of Iranian oil exports, had already warned Monday of protective measures.