China has firmly rejected U.S. sanctions on Iran, characterizing them as illegal and lacking international legal basis . In response to U.S. sanctions targeting Chinese firms for alleged ties to Iranian petroleum or military activities, Beijing has taken concrete legal action to protect its national interests and companies .

In a landmark move, China’s Ministry of Commerce issued a blocking ban on May 2, 2026, prohibiting any recognition, enforcement, or compliance with specific U.S. sanctions against five Chinese petrochemical companies . This marked the first use of China’s 2021 Rules on Counteracting Unjustified Extra-territorial Application of Foreign Legislation, a legal tool designed to counter foreign overreach . The move is seen as a direct challenge to U.S. “long-arm jurisdiction” and defends normal trade relations .

Chinese officials consistently reiterate opposition to unilateral sanctions not authorized by the UN Security Council . They urge the U.S. to lift such measures and resolve differences through dialogue, while pledging to safeguard Chinese enterprises’ legitimate rights