China rejects US threat of sanctions on Iranian airlines

BEIJING: China has opposed potential US sanctions targeting Iranian airlines, calling unilateral measures without a basis in international law or authorisation from the United Nations Security Council “illegal.”

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday that Beijing consistently rejects unilateral sanctions that are not grounded in international law or approved by the UN Security Council. His comments came a day after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that Washington could take further action against Iranian airlines.

Bessent said the United States was prepared to increase pressure on Iran’s aviation sector, potentially affecting airlines’ international operations. He warned that companies providing fuel, landing services or ticket sales to Iranian aircraft could face consequences under the US financial system.

The US measures are part of Washington’s wider economic pressure campaign against Tehran amid continuing tensions between the two countries. Recent US sanctions have targeted Iranian aviation-related entities and companies accused of supporting the sector.

China pushes back

Beijing’s response highlights a significant difference between the US and Chinese approaches to sanctions against Iran.

Guo said China’s position was based on the principle that international measures should respect international law and the role of the United Nations. Beijing has repeatedly criticised unilateral and so-called secondary sanctions that affect companies and countries outside the jurisdiction of the imposing government.

The dispute comes at a particularly sensitive diplomatic moment, with Chinese President Xi Jinping scheduled to visit the United States from September 23 to 25 at the invitation of US President Donald Trump. The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral relations as well as broader international issues.

The White House has confirmed that Trump will welcome Xi during the state visit, which includes formal meetings and a state dinner.

Iran issue adds pressure to summit

Iran is expected to remain among the wider geopolitical issues surrounding the Trump-Xi discussions. China maintains significant economic and diplomatic ties with Iran, while Washington has continued to use sanctions as a tool to pressure Tehran.

Bessent’s latest comments also came after economic discussions with Chinese officials. US officials have indicated that Chinese cooperation with sanctions enforcement is important, while Beijing has separately reaffirmed its opposition to unilateral sanctions lacking UN authorisation.

For Iranian airlines, the threatened measures could further complicate international operations by making access to fuel, airport services and ticketing networks more difficult.

China’s public rejection of the proposed sanctions therefore adds another point of disagreement between Washington and Beijing just as their leaders prepare for high-level talks. The response also underscores how the Iran dispute is increasingly intersecting with broader US-China diplomatic and economic relations.