China slams US sanctions targeting Iranian airlines as unlawful

China has formally opposed new United States sanctions targeting Iranian airlines, characterising the measures as illegal under international law. The restrictions, announced by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, threaten to cut off from dollar-denominated financial systems any company or nation providing fuel, ground handling services or ticket sales support to Iranian aircraft.

Beijing's objection reflects broader tensions over American enforcement of unilateral sanctions regimes that extend beyond US borders. Chinese authorities have previously argued that such extraterritorial measures violate international legal principles and undermine the sovereignty of nations that maintain legitimate commercial relationships with Iran.

The US sanctions regime targeting Iran has expanded significantly in recent years, with Washington seeking to pressure foreign governments and private entities to cease dealings with Iranian entities. The aviation sector restrictions aim to isolate Iranian carriers from global transportation networks by making it commercially unviable for them to operate internationally.

The move is likely to intensify debates within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and other regional forums regarding compliance with unilateral sanctions. Several nations in South and Southeast Asia maintain air links with Iran and could face pressure to sever connections or risk exclusion from dollar settlement systems.

China's formal opposition signals Beijing's continued resistance to what it views as American economic coercion. The statement underscores deepening divisions between Washington and Beijing over the appropriate scope and application of sanctions in international commerce.