ZCZC
BFF-22
CHINA-US-IRAN-DIPLOMACY
Beijing slams US sanctions on Chinese firms over Iran oil
BEIJING, Sept 26, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Beijing voiced “strong dissatisfaction”
on Thursday after the United States announced sanctions on Chinese companies
for buying Iranian oil.
China, which is embroiled in a trade war as well as myriad other disputes
with Washington, is believed to be the biggest foreign buyer of Iranian oil.
Speaking to a pressure group opposed to the Iranian regime on the
sidelines of the United Nations, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said
Wednesday the actions were in response to violations of unilateral US
sanctions.
He said sanctions were being placed both on the companies and on their
chief executives.
“China expresses strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to the
sanctions imposed by the United States on Chinese enterprises and
individuals,” foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular press
briefing on Thursday.
“Despite the legitimate rights and interests of all parties, the United
States wielded a wanton stick of sanctions, which is a gross violation of the
basic norms of international relations,” Geng said.
BSS/AFP/FI/ 1429 hrs