China’s help critical, but unlikely, for US to choke off Iran
China is among countries whose entities have already been hit by the sweeping US plan, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent telling Beijing to 'get with the programme'.
Beijing has expressed its support for Tehran and pledged to protect its interests amid the United States' economic pressure on Iran. Analysts believe that choking off Iran would necessitate unlikely cooperation from China, as Tehran has long used intricate financial networks to circumvent sanctions and has significant trade ties with China.
China is a major importer of Iranian oil, and a large portion of their trade relies on the renminbi, which is less susceptible to US sanctions. Despite China's recent sanctions, it has not punished major financial institutions, leaving it unencumbered by the US measures. The US could face challenges in garnering China's support, as cutting off Iran would compound economic strain and potentially place China in the middle of a conflict that already weakens its strategic rival, Washington.
China has maintained that its cooperation with Iran complies with international law and is unlikely to be disrupted.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
