TEHRAN – China appears to be determined to maintain oil imports from Iran, and the country’s foreign ministry has announced in a statement that US pressure will not affect its actions or decisions.
“China will always guarantee our energy supply in a way that serves our national interests,” declared by China’s Foreign Ministry via social media platform X on Wednesday, responding directly to the punitive 100% tariff threat.
“There is no winner in the tariff war. No coercion and pressure will be achieved. China will firmly defend its sovereignty, security and development interests.”
The denial follows trade talks in Stockholm, where US officials reportedly requested that China cease purchases from Iran and Russia.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bescent reluctantly acknowledges China’s uncompromising position, pointing out that the Chinese “take their sovereignty very seriously,” and pays tariffs rather than complying with tariffs. Despite characterizing negotiations as “strict,” Bescent advocated for broader advances in trade issues. This is a framing challenged by the rebellion of the people of Beijing.
Reflecting China’s resistance, India rejected the US’s request to halt Russian oil imports. The senior official confirmed that “no policy changes.” This is a move that further reveals the impact of Washington’s decline in an increasingly multipolar world.
China’s estimated 90% share of Iran’s oil exports has fixed the formalized relationship in a 25-year comprehensive strategic partnership.
Additionally, China-Russia-supported Iran’s 2023 BRICS membership and Shanghai Cooperation Agency will provide an institutional shield against Western pressure. Tehran is currently involved in the development of non-dollar payment systems and trade channels.
US sanctions have failed catastrophically to make Iran’s oil exports “crippled.” Energy analysts Vortexa and Kpler claim that Iran sent 1.5 million barrels per day (BPD) at any given time, with exports reaching 1.5 million bpd in June, generating an estimated monthly income of $3.7 billion.
These numbers remain estimates, as Tehran rarely releases details or official disclosures about oil export volumes.
Many believe that Washington’s “maximum pressure” campaign against Tehran has backfired strategically.
Sanctions have promoted Iran’s “resistance economy” and led to advances from defense of domestic industries to agriculture.
Iran has sought to diversify its markets and reduce its dependence on the West by building trade partnerships with countries such as China, Russia, other SCO members, and other SCO members.