China says U.S. 'sanctions and pressure' on Iran not a solution
China has publicly rejected U.S. efforts to isolate Iran through economic sanctions, labeling the strategy ineffective for resolving Middle East conflicts. Beijing maintains that political and diplomatic solutions are the only viable path forward, despite U.S. pressure to join the campaign.
Why it matters
This highlights a growing geopolitical rift between the U.S. and China regarding Middle East policy and the efficacy of unilateral economic sanctions.
China said on Friday (August 21, 2026) that U.S. "sanctions and pressure" would not resolve the Middle East conflict, after Washington urged governments including Beijing to join efforts to isolate the Iranian economy.
The United States has vowed it would "collapse" the Iranian regime with its threatened campaign, which Tehran has branded as "economic terrorism" doomed to fail, nearly six months since their war began.
Asked about U.S. President Donald Trump's threats, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian told reporters on Friday that "sanctions and pressure will not help resolve the issue".
"China calls on all relevant parties to take responsible measures and resolve the problem through political and diplomatic means," he said.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has defended Mr. Trump's push for economic pressure on Tehran.
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