China opposes US sanctions on Iranian airlines, warns against compliance
Summary
On Tuesday, China opposed what it termed illegal sanctions imposed by the United States on Iranian airlines, following US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's warning that these airlines would not be able to operate globally from September 23. Bessent cautioned that any countries providing services to Iranian airlines, such as credit or fuel, would face repercussions including exclusion from the US dollar system. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun reiterated China's consistent policy against unilateral sanctions lacking basis in international law or UN approval, without directly addressing whether China would continue accepting scheduled Iranian flights in Guangzhou and Shanghai.
Analysis
China: China is a major global power that engages in extensive international diplomacy and trade relations. It maintains regular commercial aviation links with countries including Iran. In this news, China publicly stated its opposition to unilateral US sanctions targeting Iranian airlines at a foreign ministry briefing. Guo Jiakun: Guo Jiakun serves as a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, handling regular press briefings on international issues. He conveyed China's consistent position against sanctions lacking UN Security Council authorization. His remarks directly addressed queries about continued acceptance of Iranian flights to Chinese cities. Scott Bessent: Scott Bessent is the United States Treasury Secretary responsible for implementing economic and sanctions policies. He issued warnings that Iranian airlines would face global operational restrictions and that assisting countries could face exclusion from the US financial system. His statements prompted the Chinese response described in the news. Sanctions Stance: China maintains a longstanding policy of opposing unilateral sanctions that lack international legal basis or UN approval. Aviation Diplomacy: China sustains scheduled air services with Iran involving landings in key cities such as Guangzhou and Shanghai.
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macropolitics