Just days before a major meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, the United States has imposed new sanctions on several Chinese companies over alleged ties to Iran.
On Friday, the U.S. Department of State announced sanctions against four companies — three of them based in China — linked to the provision of satellite imagery that, according to Washington, enabled Iranian attacks against U.S. forces in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions on 10 individuals and companies, including several based in China, accusing them of helping Iran acquire weapons and materials needed for the development of ballistic missiles and drones.
“Today we are holding China-based entities accountable for their support to Iran,” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement on Friday.
“The United States will take all necessary actions to target entities and individuals from third countries that support Iran’s military base and defense industry,” he added.
Recently, the U.S. also imposed sanctions on several Chinese refineries for purchasing Iranian crude oil, prompting a reaction from China, which instructed companies not to comply with the measures.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China has repeatedly stated that it opposes “unilateral sanctions that lack basis in international law” and that it will protect the rights of Chinese citizens and companies.
Donald Trump is expected to travel to China next week.
