China has strongly criticized the latest sanctions imposed by the United States on three Chinese satellite companies accused of supporting Iran’s military operations, calling the measures “illicit unilateral sanctions” without authorization under international law.
The comments came from Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun during a regular press briefing after AFP questioned Beijing about Washington’s decision to sanction Chinese companies allegedly linked to Iranian military activities.
The issue has gained additional geopolitical significance because it comes just days before U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit China for high-level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
According to the U.S. State Department, the sanctions target three China-based satellite firms that Washington claims enabled Iran’s military operations by providing satellite imagery and related support that allegedly assisted Iranian strikes against U.S. interests.
Responding to the allegations, Guo Jiakun said China firmly opposes unilateral sanctions that are not authorized by the United Nations Security Council.
“China firmly opposes illicit unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law or the authorization of the UN Security Council,” the spokesperson stated.
Guo added that the Chinese government consistently requires domestic companies to comply with laws and regulations while operating internationally.
“The Chinese government always asks Chinese companies to operate in accordance with laws and regulations. We will firmly protect Chinese businesses’ legitimate rights and interests,” he said.
The spokesperson also emphasized that the immediate priority in the Middle East should be preventing further escalation of tensions rather than blaming other countries.
“As to the Iran situation, we have made clear our position on many occasions. The pressing priority now is to prevent by all means a relapse in fighting, rather than exploit the situation to throw mud at other countries,” Guo stated.
The sanctions dispute emerges at a sensitive time in U.S.-China relations. Trump’s upcoming state visit to China is expected to focus on trade, technology, global security issues, and growing tensions in the Middle East.
Washington has increasingly accused Beijing of indirectly supporting countries that oppose U.S. strategic interests, including Iran and Russia, through trade, technology cooperation, and commercial partnerships. China, however, has repeatedly rejected such accusations and argues that the U.S. uses sanctions as a geopolitical tool to pressure rivals.
The latest measures also reflect growing U.S. concerns over satellite and surveillance technology being used in modern warfare. Satellite imagery has become increasingly important in military planning, intelligence gathering, missile targeting, and battlefield coordination.
Meanwhile, China has continued to call for diplomatic solutions to the Iran crisis and has positioned itself as a supporter of negotiations rather than military escalation. Beijing has repeatedly urged all parties to avoid further conflict in the region, especially amid fears that tensions around Iran could threaten global energy supplies and international shipping routes.
Analysts believe the sanctions issue could become one of several contentious topics discussed during Trump’s visit to Beijing, alongside trade disputes, semiconductor restrictions, Taiwan-related tensions, and broader geopolitical competition between the world’s two largest economies.
Despite ongoing disagreements, both Washington and Beijing appear interested in maintaining diplomatic engagement at the highest level, particularly as instability in the Middle East and global economic uncertainty continue to rise.
