US Treasury Chief Warns China on Iran Sanctions Scope
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned Monday that China would not be exempt from potential US sanctions over economic ties with Iran, stating "no one is above the reach of US sanctions" regarding entities facilitating Iranian oil transactions. Bessent's remarks came as he unveiled a broader US campaign to squeeze Iran's economy, expanding secondary sanctions to cover digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping. The Treasury also sanctioned 60 individuals, companies and vessels, including entities in China, Hong Kong, UAE, Singapore and Europe. China, Iran's biggest trading partner and oil buyer, had previously criticized Washington's threats. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian urged "rationality and restraint," warning sanctions would not help resolve issues and could disrupt global economic stability.