Summary China rejects US sanctions against Iran, saying economic pressure cannot resolve the Middle East conflict and urging political and diplomatic solutions.
BEIJING (Web Desk) - China has said US sanctions and economic pressure will not help resolve the conflict in the Middle East.
Washington has previously urged various governments, including China, to join its efforts to isolate Iran's economy.
Responding to a question about US President Donald Trump's threats, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said sanctions and pressure would not contribute to resolving the issue.
He urged all relevant parties to act responsibly and resolve the dispute through political and diplomatic means.
The United States says its economic campaign will force the Iranian government to yield, while Tehran has described the pressure as economic terrorism and considers the campaign destined to fail.
When US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was asked whether Washington would pressure Beijing to join the campaign, he told CNBC that it was often better to discuss many issues privately, while urging Beijing to participate in the programme.
In response to Bessent's remarks, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said China opposed unilateral sanctions that lack a basis in international law and have not been authorized by the UN Security Council.
