China says will 'safeguard own interests' after US vows Iran sanctions

China said on Tuesday it would safeguard its interests after Washington laid out plans for the "economic asphyxiation" of Beijing's economic partner Iran.

"Cooperation between China and Iran has always been conducted within the framework of international law and should not be interfered with or disrupted," foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a regular news briefing on Tuesday. "China has already stated many times that it firmly opposes illegal unilateral sanctions.

China will take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard its own rights and interests," he added. Asked on Monday if Chinese banks would be targeted by the new penalties, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said "no one is above the reach of US sanctions".