China says it opposes unilateral and 'secondary sanctions'

China opposes unilateral sanctions that lack authorization from the United Nations and a basis in international law, as well as so-called secondary sanctions against other countries over their dealings with third parties, the Ministry of Commerce said on Saturday.

The ministry made the remarks after the United States signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 into law on Friday. The legislation strengthens sanctions against Russia, extends certain sanctions on Iran and authorizes tariffs of up to 100 percent on countries importing Russian oil or natural gas.

A ministry spokesperson said China has always conducted normal economic and trade cooperation with countries on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, adding that such cooperation does not target any third party and should not be subject to interference or coercion by any third party.

Beijing will follow closely subsequent Washington measures and reserves the right to take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard its national sovereignty and development interests, as well as the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies, the official warned in an online statement.

China hopes the US will make joint efforts to maintain stable bilateral economic and trade relations through dialogue and consultation, and contribute more to safeguarding the global trade order and the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains.