BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 20. China has criticised US President Donald Trump’s intensified economic pressure campaign against Iran, arguing that additional sanctions will not help resolve outstanding disputes with Tehran.
Speaking to reporters in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said imposing sanctions and exerting pressure would not contribute to resolving the issue.
Lin called on the parties concerned to take responsible measures and seek solutions through diplomatic and political channels, reiterating Beijing’s preference for negotiations rather than additional economic restrictions.
China could be particularly exposed to measures targeting Iran’s oil exports because of its position as the leading buyer of Iranian crude.
According to 2025 data from energy analytics firm Kpler, China purchased more than 80 percent of Iran’s seaborne oil exports, highlighting the importance of Iranian supplies to energy trade between the two countries.
Beijing’s response comes amid renewed US efforts to increase economic pressure on Tehran and warnings over other countries’ commercial ties with Iran.
