China says it will protect its interests after US expands Iran sanctions

China vowed to safeguard its interests after the United States announced broader economic sanctions aimed at Iran and countries that keep financing Tehran, the BBC reported.

Foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Beijing firmly opposed what it called illegal unilateral sanctions and would take all necessary measures to protect its rights. China-Iran cooperation, he said, has stayed within international law and should not be disrupted.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent unveiled the measures Monday and described them as the single greatest financial offensive ever marshaled against Iran. He warned banks and firms that refuse to cut ties would share Iran's isolation. Asked about Chinese banks, Bessent said no one sits above the reach of U.S. sanctions. He said President Donald Trump would call world leaders with specific requests to stop dealing with the Iranian government.

China is the largest buyer of Iranian oil, though volumes have fallen under the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports. NPR reported the administration named about 60 targets while holding tougher steps in reserve and pressing Gulf partners and others to cut remaining lifelines.

Iranian Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh told state television Tehran was fully prepared and had a two-year plan to manage the pressure. He said Iran has its own tools and had been waiting for these measures. Talks between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected next month. Washington is watching for rare-earth and other mineral leverage from Beijing, which has tightened export controls in past trade fights.

Energy desks are watching whether tanker insurance rates and Hormuz traffic shift as the financial campaign expands. Prior U.S. pressure already weakened Iran's currency and squeezed oil revenue. The new round aims to close remaining banking and shipping gaps without an immediate return to large-scale strikes, officials told reporters covering the announcement.