China has publicly criticized the U.S. threat of new economic sanctions against Iran and its global trading partners.
The dispute highlights growing tensions between Washington and Beijing over Middle East stability and the protection of Chinese economic interests in the region.
Lin Jian, spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry, issued the statement from Beijing. He said the Chinese government strongly opposes the "economic D‑Day" plan, which he said threatens to destabilize the region and undermine Chinese interests [1, 2].
The U.S. strategy involves targeting not only Iran but also countries that refuse to sever economic ties with the Iranian government. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the plan is the greatest financial offensive ever against Iran [3].
Beijing argues that these measures risk derailing a fragile truce with Iran [2]. The move comes as the U.S. pressures international partners to isolate Tehran further, a policy that directly clashes with China's trade goals.
Iran has also responded to the developments. A spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry said Iran condemns the U.S. plans to announce new sanctions [4].
Reports on the current status of the penalties vary. Some sources indicate the U.S. has stopped short of imposing the largest penalties while continuing to threaten them [5]. Other reports suggest the offensive is already being implemented through the Treasury Department [3].
“"We strongly oppose the United States' 'economic D‑Day' plan,"”
The clash over the 'economic D-Day' plan signals a broadening of the U.S.-China rivalry into the financial architecture of the Middle East. By targeting third-party trading partners, the U.S. is attempting to create a total economic blockade of Iran, while China is positioning itself as a defender of sovereign trade and regional stability to maintain its energy and infrastructure investments.
