China's state-run media has declared that the United States' additional sanctions against Iran are misguided and that China will not participate in them. The media outlet reiterated calls for a ceasefire and dialogue between the U.S. and Iran.
In an editorial published on August 22, the Global Times stated, "China will not join the U.S. in its 'reckless actions' and the international community will not side with the U.S. either." This response follows President Donald Trump's warning on August 19 that he would impose an 'unprecedented economic war' on Iran and penalize third countries that engage in trade with Iran.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bensent also pressured allies on August 20, stating, "You must choose to stand with us or be against us," while urging cooperation from China, a major buyer of Iranian oil. Bensent is expected to unveil a plan for increased economic pressure on Iran on August 24.
The editorial criticized U.S. economic sanctions as another attempt to escape the quagmire of war in the Middle East, asserting that the U.S. appears to have chosen the wrong path. It pointed to rising energy costs in the U.S. and global markets, arguing that while sanctions can concentrate pressure on one nation, the consequences are not limited to that nation alone.
The piece also criticized the U.S. approach of 'you are either with us or against us.' Even U.S. allies are hesitant to fully support the aggressive strategy against Iran due to concerns over the escalation of war and energy crises, emphasizing that China has no reason to comply with U.S. demands.
The Global Times stated that China has consistently opposed unilateral bullying and 'long-arm jurisdiction' not only because it is Iran's largest trading partner and has maintained a long-term friendly relationship with Iran, but also because accepting U.S. pressure to halt trade with Iran could lead to a system where international trade is dictated by U.S. rules, undermining normal exchanges between nations.
Regarding the safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, the editorial expressed that restoring safe and free navigation is in the interest of all nations, but demanding compliance with U.S. 'maximum pressure' and trade sanctions is a reversal of the issue. It emphasized that the navigation issue in the Strait of Hormuz is a derivative problem of the U.S.-Iran war, and a comprehensive ceasefire is necessary for a fundamental solution.
The Global Times criticized the U.S. for shifting from military warfare to economic warfare when the former did not yield results, questioning what the next step would be if economic warfare also fails. It warned that relying on power to unilaterally pressure other nations will only entangle the U.S. deeper in conflict, and increasing economic pressure will only prolong disputes and exacerbate harm to all countries.
In conclusion, the editorial called for an immediate ceasefire, cessation of hostilities, prompt initiation of negotiations, restoration of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and upholding the authority of the United Nations Charter. It argued that the U.S. must abandon its Cold War mentality and maximum pressure strategy to reduce harm and exit the Middle East while maintaining its dignity.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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