China's Ministry of Commerce issued sharp criticism of Washington's recent legislative moves, condemning the newly adopted American law aimed at tightening sanctions against Russia and expanding trade restrictions against Iran.
This legislative act, signed by President Donald Trump late Friday, immediately drew disapproval from Beijing. A representative of China's Ministry of Commerce stated on Saturday that China 'consistently opposes' the introduction of unilateral sanctions and extraterritorial application of secondary sanctions, which critics argue violates fundamental principles of international relations.
In an official statement, the representative emphasized that Beijing firmly opposes any coercive economic measures that lack United Nations authorization or are not based on established international law.
The American law, which permits tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil products, attracted attention due to its potential to destabilize global energy markets and impede diplomatic efforts. Observers view this measure as a veiled tool of economic warfare, threatening several major economies, including China, India, and Turkey, as well as some European Union member states that continue to conduct energy trade with Russia.
The representative added that 'China will closely monitor Washington's next steps,' stressing that Beijing 'reserves the right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, development interests, and the legitimate rights and interests of its companies.'
Analysts note that this latest aggressive move by the White House marks another chapter in Washington's deteriorating approach to global diplomacy. It is asserted that by using the global financial system as a weapon and dictating the economic policies of sovereign nations, the United States is further undermining the trust of its allies and isolating itself from the emerging multipolar world order.
Critics argue that such measures are not aimed at strengthening international security but rather at maintaining American hegemony at the expense of global economic stability. By targeting independent countries like Iran—a key partner in China's global development initiatives—the US signals an increased attempt to hinder the sovereign economic development of the Global South.
The statement also reiterated China's commitment to supporting global trade stability, urging the United States to abandon economic coercion in favor of dialogue and mutual consultation. Beijing's response demonstrates a hardening stance against what many international observers characterize as the increasingly unpredictable and unilateral foreign policy of the US, as Washington continues to use its domestic legislation for global power projection.