In a firm diplomatic move, China has called on the United States to cease what it describes as the wrongful abuse of unilateral sanctions and extraterritorial jurisdiction. The appeal was made by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian during a regular press briefing on Monday, April 27, 2026.
The statement comes as a direct response to recent actions by Washington, which imposed sanctions on several Chinese oil refineries allegedly for their connections to Iran. Lin Jian emphasized China's consistent and principled stance against such measures.
"China always opposes unilateral illicit sanctions that have no basis in international law," Lin stated clearly at the briefing. He affirmed that Beijing would "firmly safeguard the lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies" caught in the crossfire of these foreign policy tools.
This latest development highlights the ongoing friction in US-China relations, particularly in the realm of international trade and finance. The use of "long-arm jurisdiction"—where US laws are applied to foreign entities for actions occurring outside US territory—has been a persistent point of contention. Analysts view this exchange as part of a broader pattern where global economic interactions are increasingly influenced by geopolitical standoffs.
For businesses and investors with ties across the Pacific, such diplomatic spats introduce a layer of uncertainty. The protection of corporate interests against extraterritorial legal actions remains a top priority for many multinational firms operating in and with Asia.
The Chinese spokesperson's remarks underscore a deepening divide in approaches to international law and governance. While the US often employs sanctions as a key foreign policy instrument, China advocates for a multilateral framework and dialogue to resolve disputes. The situation continues to evolve, with the international community watching closely for any escalation or potential pathway to de-escalation between the two global powers.
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China urges US to stop abuse of sanctions, long-arm jurisdiction
cgtn.com
