China opposes U.S. sanctions on Russia and Iran, warns of countermeasures
On September 18, the U.S. enacted the 2026 Graham Sanctions on Russia and Iran Act, strengthening sanctions against Russia, extending Iran sanctions, and authorizing secondary tariffs up to 100% on third countries importing Russian oil or gas. China’s Ministry of Commerce responded on September 19, opposing unilateral sanctions lacking UN authorization and secondary sanctions. China warned it reserves the right to take all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty, development interests, and Chinese enterprises’ rights, while urging dialogue to maintain stable economic relations.
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Common ground
- Both sides agree that the U.S. has a history of unilateral actions, such as the Iraq invasion and withdrawal from the JCPOA, that undermine its claims to a rules-based order.
- Both acknowledge that international law and the UN Charter are important frameworks, though they disagree on how they should be applied.
- Both recognize that the debate reflects a broader struggle between unipolar and multipolar world orders.
Points of contention
- The Eastern side argues U.S. sanctions without UN authorization are illegal and hegemonic, while the Western side says they are necessary because Russia’s veto paralyzes the UN.
- The Eastern side claims China’s trade with Russia and Iran is legal and sovereign, while the Western side says it enables aggression and violates moral obligations.
- The Eastern side blames NATO expansion for provoking Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, while the Western side says Russia’s own aggression caused NATO to expand.
- The Eastern side demands concrete evidence of illegal dual-use transfers, while the Western side cites public sanctions and trade data as proof.
Blind spots
- Neither side fully addresses the humanitarian impact of sanctions or war on ordinary people in affected countries.
- Both sides avoid discussing how other nations in the Global South view this dispute, often feeling caught between U.S. and Chinese pressures.
- The debate overlooks the role of private companies and supply chains in evading sanctions, focusing only on government actions.
WorldAttention’s read
This debate reveals a deep divide over who gets to set the rules for global trade and security. The Eastern side insists on national sovereignty and multilateral decision-making through the UN, rejecting U.S. unilateral sanctions as a tool of hegemony. The Western side argues that when the UN is paralyzed by vetoes, targeted sanctions are a necessary defense against aggression, and that China’s trade with Russia and Iran enables wars and nuclear threats. Both sides use legal and moral arguments selectively, pointing to each other’s hypocrisies without fully addressing the human costs or the views of other nations. Ultimately, the core disagreement is not about facts but about power: whether the world should be shaped by one dominant power or by a multipolar system where all states have equal say—even when some use that say to block action against aggressors.
Reporting timeline
China Criticizes New U.S. Law Tightening Sanctions on Russia and Iran
China has criticized a new U.S. law that strengthens sanctions against Russia and Iran, which was signed by U.S. President Donald Trump late last Friday. A spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce stated that Beijing 'consistently opposes' unilateral sanctions and so-called secondary sanctions. The law, signed by Trump, represents a tightening of U.S. economic pressure on both Russia and Iran. China's opposition underscores its longstanding policy against unilateral coercive measures imposed by other nations, particularly when they may affect Chinese entities or interests. The criticism from Beijing signals potential friction in U.S.-China relations over the extraterritorial application of U.S. sanctions, as China often conducts trade and investment with sanctioned countries. The statement from the Ministry of Commerce did not specify any retaliatory measures but reaffirmed China's principled stance against such actions.
Read sourceChina Opposes U.S. Sanctions Act on Russia and Iran, Vows to Safeguard Interests
On September 19, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce responded to the U.S. enactment of the '2026 Graham Sanctions on Russia and Iran Act.' The spokesperson stated that China has consistently opposed unilateral sanctions lacking UN authorization and a basis in international law, and opposes so-called secondary sanctions against other countries under the pretext of third-party involvement. China emphasized that its normal economic and trade cooperation with all countries is based on equality and mutual benefit, is not directed at any third party, and should not be subject to interference or coercion. China will closely monitor subsequent U.S. actions and reserves the right to take all necessary measures to safeguard its national sovereignty, development interests, and the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises. The spokesperson expressed hope that the U.S. side would meet China halfway, maintain the stability of economic and trade relations through dialogue and consultation, and contribute to upholding the global trade order and ensuring the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains.
Read sourceChina Opposes U.S. Sanctions on Russia and Iran, Vows to Safeguard Interests
On September 19, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce responded to the U.S. enactment of the 'Graham Sanctions on Russia and Iran Act of 2026.' The spokesperson stated that China consistently opposes unilateral sanctions lacking UN authorization and international law basis, as well as secondary sanctions imposed on other countries under the pretext of third-party involvement. China emphasized that its normal economic and trade cooperation with countries worldwide is based on equality and mutual benefit, does not target any third party, and is not subject to interference or coercion. The spokesperson warned that China will closely monitor subsequent U.S. actions and reserves the right to take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard China's national sovereignty, development interests, and the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises. China expressed hope that the U.S. side will meet China halfway, maintain stability in economic and trade relations through dialogue and consultation, and contribute to upholding the global trading order and ensuring the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains.
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China Responds to U.S. Enactment of 2026 Graham Sanctions on Russia and Iran
On September 19, China's Ministry of Commerce spokesperson responded to the U.S. enactment of the 2026 Graham Sanctions on Russia and Iran Act, signed into law on September 18 Eastern Time. The act strengthens sanctions against Russia, extends certain Iran-related sanctions, and authorizes secondary tariffs of up to 100% on third countries importing Russian oil or natural gas. Commentators suggest China may be targeted. The spokesperson stated China opposes unilateral sanctions lacking UN authorization and secondary sanctions imposed on other countries. China conducts normal economic cooperation on equality and mutual benefit, not targeting third parties or subject to interference. China will monitor U.S. actions and reserves the right to take necessary measures to safeguard sovereignty, development interests, and Chinese enterprises' rights. China hopes the U.S. will maintain stable economic relations through dialogue and contribute to global trade order and supply chain security.
China's Commerce Ministry Opposes U.S. Sanctions on Russia and Iran, Warns of Countermeasures
On September 18, the United States enacted the '2026 Graham Sanctions on Russia and Iran Act,' which strengthens sanctions against Russia, extends sanctions against Iran, and allows measures against imports of Russian oil or natural gas. In response, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce stated that China consistently opposes unilateral sanctions lacking UN authorization and opposes secondary sanctions imposed on other countries. The spokesperson emphasized that China's normal economic and trade cooperation with other nations is based on equality and mutual benefit, is not directed at any third party, and should not be interfered with. China reserves the right to take all necessary measures to safeguard its national sovereignty, development interests, and the legitimate rights of Chinese enterprises. The spokesperson also expressed hope that the U.S. side would maintain stability in economic and trade relations through dialogue and consultation, contributing to the global trading order and the security of global industrial and supply chains.
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