What specific action did China's commerce ministry take regarding US sanctions on five Chinese refiners?

China's commerce ministry issued a rare order banning recognition, enforcement, and compliance with the US sanctions targeting five domestic refiners—including Hengli Petrochemical (Dalian) Refinery Co.—which were linked to the Iranian oil trade and subjected to asset freezes and transaction bans.

How did China justify its rejection of the US sanctions on the refiners?

The ministry stated that the US measures 'unlawfully restrict normal trade with third countries and breach international norms,' and emphasized that 'the Chinese government has consistently opposed unilateral sanctions that lack authorization from the United Nations and a basis in international law.'

Beijing Tells Chinese Firms to Ignore US Sanctions on Refiners

May 2, 2026

China ordered domestic firms to disregard US sanctions on five refiners linked to Iranian oil trade, including Hengli Petrochemical, citing violations of international norms to mitigate penalty impacts.

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