What is China's official position on Trump's threat of 'economic warfare' against Iran and its trading partners?

China's official position, as stated by Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian, is that 'sanctions and pressure will not help resolve the issue' and that 'relevant parties should take responsible measures and seek to solve the issue through diplomatic and political means.' China explicitly rejects the effectiveness of Trump's threatened economic warfare, urging restraint and diplomacy instead.

Why is China particularly vulnerable to U.S. sanctions targeting Iran trade, and how has it responded so far?

China is especially vulnerable because it buys more than 90% of Iran’s oil exports, and its major state banks avoid violating U.S. sanctions to preserve access to the U.S. dollar-clearing system; however, in May, China ordered domestic companies not to comply with U.S. sanctions on five Iranian refiners, placing its banks in a bind between Beijing’s directive and financial risk — and while the U.S. has sanctioned some Chinese 'teapot refineries,' it has not yet targeted the major banks financing Iran oil trade.

China Says Trump’s Economic Warfare Won’t Solve Iran Crisis

Aug 20, 2026

China warned US sanctions on Iran will fail, noting it buys over 90% of Iran's oil despite US penalties on refineries. Analysts predict Beijing will adapt quietly rather than cease business.

bloomberg

2026-06-02

Trump’s Netanyahu Problem Is Latest Key Hurdle to Iran Deal

2026-06-11

Oil Extends Losses as Trump Calls Off Planned Strikes on Iran

2026-06-15

Gold Holds Gain as Trump Touts Reopening of Hormuz This Week

2026-06-21

Oil Climbs After Trump Threatens Strikes as US-Iran Peace Talks Begin

2026-07-08

US Stock Futures Tumble as Trump Says Iran Deal Is 'Over'; Oil Climbs