China opposes illegal unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law and have not been approved by the UN Security Council. This was stated by the spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) on Friday, calling on relevant parties to act responsibly and seek a solution through political and diplomatic means.

Lin Jian made the statement at a regular press briefing, and responding to a question about the statement by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who had said that Washington would impose the strictest sanctions in history against Iran and had called on China to work together with the US.

Lin stressed that China has consistently adhered to the position that military methods, sanctions, and pressure do not contribute to the solution of the problem. On the contrary, they only increase tensions and aggravate the situation, which is not in the interests of either party.

“We [i.e. China] urge settlement of the dispute via dialogue and negotiation,” the Chinese MFA spokesperson said.