China opposes US sanctions on firms for alleged links to Iran drones

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
26 Sep 2023 09:09

China's Ministry of Commerce calls upon the United States to immediately cease its baseless suppression of Chinese companies and individuals.

Policemen perform exercises at China's Ministry of Commerce Beijing, on Monday, February 11, 2019 (AP)

A Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesperson condemned the United States' recent decision to include several Chinese companies and individuals on its "Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) List," describing it as a misuse of unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction by the United States, Xinhua reported.

The sanctions were enforced on Chinese companies and individuals for alleged connections to Iran's unmanned aerial vehicle and military aircraft development program.

According to the spokesperson, the move by the US Department of the Treasury represents a troubling escalation of tensions between the two global powers.

China views this decision as a clear violation of international trade norms and regulations, one that threatens to disrupt normal international economic and trade interactions. Furthermore, it is seen as a direct infringement on the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese firms and individuals involved.

"The United States has abused unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction, undermined international trade order and rules, obstructed normal international economic and trade exchanges, and harmed the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese firms and individuals," the spokesperson said.

Furthermore, China's Ministry of Commerce called upon the United States to immediately cease its baseless suppression of Chinese companies and individuals. The spokesperson stressed that China is prepared to take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests in light of the situation.

Yesterday, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi affirmed that the United States failed to isolate his country, as Tehran joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the BRICS group and enjoys broad political, economic, and social relations with other nations.

In an interview with CNN's Fareed Zakaria, Raisi pointed out that despite imposing pressure and sanctions, the US failed to create despair and frustration among the Iranian people, stressing that Iran is a developed country, despite all Western hostility.

The Iranian President called on the US administration to reconsider its approach toward the Iranian people, who decided to live independently and are progressing day after day, and confirmed that they will not submit to the logic of force.