August 24th, Foreign Minister Spokesperson Lin Jian presided over the regular press conference.
Reuters reporters asked that U.S. Treasury Secretary Bernanke threatened to impose “secondary sanctions” on countries that trade with Iran. China is one of Iran’s major oil buyers. If the U.S. imposes such “secondary sanctions,” how will China respond?
Lin Jian stated that sanctions and pressure do not help solve the problem; instead, they only exacerbate tensions and escalate the situation, and do not serve the interests of either party.
Lin Jian said that China calls on all parties to maintain rationality and restraint, to avoid taking measures that could further escalate conflicts and undermine global economic development and financial stability. It is important to return to the correct path of dialogue, negotiation, and political solutions as soon as possible. China will closely monitor relevant developments and take necessary measures to protect its legitimate rights and interests.
Recently, Besent spoke publicly in an interview, calling on China to follow the plan and cooperate with the United States in implementing what he called “the most severe economic measures ever” against Iran, with the aim of further isolating Iran’s economy and “disintegrating that regime”.
When asked whether the new sanctions involved China, Besent declined to provide specific responses, citing that “many conversations are best conducted privately.” However, he explicitly requested that China provide the so-called “cooperation.”
He cited data indicating that about 50% of China’s energy comes from the Gulf region. “Therefore, following the plan will be very beneficial for them,” he said. He also noted that all parties hope for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz in order to reduce energy prices.
