China rejects US sanctions on Iranian airlines as illegal

China has rejected the new United States sanctions targeting Iranian airlines, describing them as illegal and lacking any basis in international law. Foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a news conference that Beijing consistently opposes unilateral sanctions that are not authorized by the UN Security Council.

The statement followed remarks by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who told CNBC that all Iranian airlines would be shut down around the world within days under the weight of American sanctions. Bessent's comments came as the Trump administration seeks to increase pressure on Tehran, according to AFP.

China had earlier criticized a new US law signed late Friday by President Donald Trump that tightens sanctions against Russia and widens trade measures against Iran. The legislation expands the scope of US restrictions affecting Iranian entities, including carriers such as Iran Air and Aseman Airlines.

Beijing's position reflects its long-standing opposition to secondary sanctions that target third countries and companies trading with Iran. China is a major buyer of Iranian oil and has maintained economic and diplomatic ties with Tehran despite US pressure.

The exchange highlights continuing friction between Washington and Beijing over Iran policy, with the US pursuing a campaign of maximum pressure while China and other states question the legality of measures imposed outside the UN framework. According to Mehr News, the Chinese foreign ministry reiterated that such sanctions lack authorization from the Security Council and are therefore not recognized under international law.