As tensions between the US and Iran escalate in April 2026, a proposed US economic pressure campaign dubbed 'Economic Fury' has drawn international scrutiny. Xu Qiyuan, deputy director of the Institute of American Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, cautioned this week that such weaponization of trade mechanisms could destabilize the global economic order.
The warning comes amid growing concerns about the intersection of geopolitical conflicts and financial systems. 'When economic tools become instruments of coercion rather than cooperation, it creates ripple effects across supply chains, energy markets, and investment flows,' Xu stated during a Beijing policy forum on Tuesday.
Analysts note that the current strategy resembles previous maximum-pressure campaigns but with expanded digital currency restrictions and third-party sanction enforcement. This development follows recent efforts by multiple Asian economies to diversify trade partnerships and payment systems through regional agreements.
While the Chinese mainland maintains normal economic relations with Iran under international frameworks, business leaders report increased caution among overseas investors navigating the complex sanctions landscape. The situation highlights ongoing challenges in balancing national security priorities with multilateral trade principles.
