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China opposes US sanctions over Iran, pledges to protect firms

By Thomson Reuters May 11, 2026 | 2:39 AM

BEIJING, May 11 (Reuters) – China voiced strong opposition on Monday ​to U.S. ‌sanctions for three China-based companies that Washington claimed enabled Iran’s military ‌operations, ​calling ⁠the curbs illegal ⁠and unilateral.

“We have always required Chinese enterprises to conduct business ​in accordance with laws and ⁠regulations, and ⁠will firmly safeguard ​the legitimate rights ​and interests of Chinese ‌enterprises,” spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a regular press briefing.

“The ⁠pressing priority is to prevent by all means ⁠a ‌relapse in fighting, ⁠rather than ​using ‌the war to ​maliciously associate ⁠and smear other countries.”

(Reporting by Liz Lee and Shi Bu; Editing by Clarence ​Fernandez)