BEIJING, May 11 – Beijing has sharply criticized recent United States penalties imposed on three Chinese businesses that American officials accused of supporting Iran’s military capabilities, denouncing the measures as unlawful and one-sided.
During a routine media briefing on Monday, Chinese government spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated: “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.”
Guo also emphasized that current efforts should focus elsewhere, saying: “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.”
The Chinese official’s remarks represent Beijing’s formal response to Washington’s latest round of economic restrictions targeting companies it claims have facilitated Iranian military activities.
