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AFP: U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday laid out plans for the economic asphyxiation of Iran, expanding Washington’s secondary sanction threats and warning of dire consequences for countries that do not join the campaign. I wonder if China has a comment on this? (Similar question from CNBC)

Lin Jian: China has made clear on many occasions its firm opposition to illicit unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law or the authorization of the UN Security Council. Economic warfare and maximum pressure provide no solution. On the contrary, they only serve to fuel tensions and lead to risk spillover, which will disrupt the global economic and financial order, and harm the legitimate rights and interests of other countries. The pressing task is to facilitate the deescalation of the situation and return to dialogue and negotiation as soon as possible. China will do everything necessary to firmly safeguard its rights and interests.

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Bloomberg: Following on the developments with the U.S. sanctions relating to Iran, we saw that there have been new sanctions on entities, individuals and vessels, including on some Chinese firms. Is China willing to change some of its behaviors and interactions with Iran to comply with U.S. demands? If so, what kind of actions is China considering to take?

Lin Jian: China’s cooperation with Iran is conducted within the framework of international law, thus should not be disrupted. China is closely following the developments, and will do everything necessary to firmly safeguard its rights and interests.

CNBC: The U.S. said that it would give countries a timeline on when to shut down the actions that it has identified. We’re wondering if China has received any sort of timeline or has any plans to address the China-based entities and individuals named in the Treasury announcement?

Lin Jian: We are closely following the developments, and will do everything necessary to firmly safeguard our rights and interests.