China Criticizes US Sanctions on Iran, Chinese Companies

China’s Foreign Ministry criticized the U.S.’s decision to impose more Iran sanctions last week, saying the measures, which affected some Chinese entities, should be reversed. Along with Iranian officials and metal companies, the U.S. sanctions targeted a Beijing-based company for buying Iranian steel and a China-based company for managing a vessel that transported the steel (see 2001100050). “We urge the U.S. to cease immediately the wrongful sanctions on Chinese businesses,” a ministry spokesman said during a Jan. 13 press conference. “We will continue to staunchly defend Chinese enterprises' legitimate rights and interests.” China said it has been dealing with Iran for a “long time” and “such cooperation, which is justified and lawful and doesn't harm any third party's interests, should be respected and protected.”