Could new US sanctions tear China and Iran apart?
Washington's strategy of putting maximum economic pressure on Iran is tempered by its desire to smooth political tensions with China.
New US sanctions targeting smaller entities, individuals, and vessels involved in Iran's illicit nuclear and missile technology procurement, cyber operations, and oil-revenue generation networks have sparked concerns about China's potential involvement. China, Iran's top trade partner, provides a lifeline to Tehran through oil purchases, banking, technology, and dual use goods.
However, the initial sanctions package does not target major Chinese banks. China has defended its transactional relationship with Iran and maintains that cooperation should not be interfered with. With US President Donald Trump set to meet Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in September, Washington must tread carefully in its approach towards China-Iran trade ties.
China has consistently called for a diplomatic solution to the Iran conflict and has not shown interest in helping the US maintain its presence in the Middle East. While Beijing values its trade relationships with Saudi Arabia and the UAE, it carefully balances its ties to avoid alienating Iran's regional rivals.
Written by urgent.news from DW News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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