China called on Washington to lift sanctions imposed on Chinese individuals and companies over alleged links to Iran.
China’s Ministry of Commerce spokesperson Huang Ling said at a press conference in Beijing on Thursday that they opposed unilateral sanctions. Huang said such sanctions, which are not authorized by the United Nations Security Council and lack a basis in international law, were unacceptable.
Huang Ling said Washington continued to impose sanctions on Chinese companies and citizens despite Beijing’s objections. Huang argued that the United States was improperly interfering with normal economic and trade relations between the countries concerned through these measures.
China warns over energy security
The Chinese spokesperson said the sanctions were disrupting global energy security and supply stability. Calling on Washington to abandon the measures and lift the sanctions, Huang Ling said China would continue protecting the legitimate rights and interests of its citizens and companies.
US sanctions decisions
The US Department of the Treasury placed five companies on its sanctions list on May 8, 2026. China-based Youshita Shanghai and Hitex Insulation, along with Hong Kong-based Hesen Industry and Mostad Limited, were among the companies on the list.
These companies were alleged to have facilitated the purchase of weapons for Iran and supplied weapons systems to Iran. On the same day, the US Department of State imposed sanctions on four companies, including the Chinese satellite companies Chang Guang Satellite Technology, The Earth AI and Mizar Vision.
The companies were alleged to have provided satellite imagery to Iran for use in attacks against US forces in the Middle East.
On May 11, the US Department of the Treasury added nine companies and three individuals to its sanctions list. The entities, including Hong Kong Blue Ocean, Hong Kong Sanmu, Jiandi H. K. and Max Honor International Trade, were alleged to have facilitated the sale of oil belonging to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to China.
On July 29, the US Department of State announced sanctions on eight maritime transportation companies over alleged shipments of Iranian oil and petrochemical products to China.
On July 30, the US Department of the Treasury placed China-based Shanghai Wings International Logistics and Shanghai Elite International Travel, as well as the companies’ executive Tang Xin, on its sanctions list. Tang Xin and the companies were alleged to have facilitated the sale of airline tickets for Iran-based Mahan Air and shipped electronic products from China to Iran.
