China on Monday urged the United States to abandon what it called the “abuse of sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction,” after Washington imposed fresh restrictions on a Chinese oil refinery over alleged links to Iran.
At a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Beijing strongly opposes unilateral sanctions that, according to China, lack a basis in international law.
He added that China would firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its companies in response to the latest U.S. measures.
The remarks came after the United States announced sanctions targeting a Chinese refinery it claims is connected to Iranian oil-related activities, a move that has further strained already tense relations between the two major economies.
Beijing maintains that such actions undermine normal trade cooperation and interfere in the lawful operations of Chinese enterprises abroad.