China has vowed to protect its interests after the United States announced plans to widen economic sanctions against Iran and its trading partners, including Beijing.


Foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said China was firmly opposed to what it called "illegal unilateral sanctions" and would take "all necessary measures" to safeguard its rights.


The declaration came after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent unveiled new measures, warning that any nation financially partnering with Iran would face isolation.


China remains the biggest buyer of Iranian oil, though the trade has declined under U.S. pressure. Lin emphasized that cooperation between China and Iran has always been conducted within the framework of international law and should not be interfered with.


Bessent described the sanctions as "the single greatest financial offensive ever" against Iran, and said banks or businesses that refuse to cut ties would be shared in the nation’s isolation. He declined to name specific countries but said President Trump would call world leaders "with specific requests to cease their interactions with the regime".


The announcement precedes a scheduled meeting between President Trump and President Xi in Beijing next month, raising concerns of potential retaliation given China’s role in rare‑earth exports.


Beijing has previously tightened export controls on rare earths amid U.S. trade negotiations.


Iranian Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh said Tehran was fully prepared for wider sanctions, claiming they would bring another defeat for the U.S. and that Iran has a two‑year plan to manage the impacts.


The U.S. dubbed its latest sanctions "Operation Economic Outcast" and described them as an "economic D‑Day" against Iran. Analysts suggest that the comprehensive package will have limited direct effect on Iranian energy revenues, especially since roughly 90% of Iran’s oil goes to China, which has historically ignored U.S. sanctions.


Other countries, such as India and Russia, have yet to respond to the U.S. announcement. Read more from BBC News on Iran’s counter‑response.