China’s foreign ministry has responded to the United States over its criticism of Beijing’s relationship with Tehran, stating that cooperation between China and Iran must not be interfered with, according to a report by detikNews published on Tuesday.
The statement, reported by the Indonesian outlet, comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran. The US has recently expanded sanctions against Iran, a move that has drawn threats from Iranian officials and raised concerns about global economic stability, according to separate reports from CNBC Indonesia and Suara.com.
The Chinese response signals a firm stance on bilateral ties with Iran, even as the US applies pressure on multiple fronts. detikNews did not provide further details on the exact remarks or the context in which they were delivered.
The broader backdrop includes ongoing debate over the effectiveness of US military and economic pressure. A CNN Indonesia report cited experts arguing that winning a war is not solely determined by military superiority. Meanwhile, a Serambinews.com report quoted a US senator as saying Iran has won the war, and described new sanctions from President Donald Trump as a "desperate" move that amounts to "window dressing."
These reports paint a picture of a US policy toward Iran that is facing scrutiny both at home and abroad. China’s insistence that its cooperation with Iran remains off-limits adds another layer to an already complex geopolitical situation.
What to watch next: Whether the US responds directly to China’s statement, and how expanded sanctions affect global oil prices in the coming weeks.
