The United States has imposed sanctions on several Chinese and Hong Kong-based companies for their alleged involvement in purchasing and facilitating the trade of Iranian oil, according to a report by Al Jazeera.
In a statement, the US State Department said the sanctions target “multiple entities, individuals, and one vessel” linked to Iran’s petroleum, petroleum products, and petrochemical trade. The move is aimed at disrupting Iran’s oil exports and limiting its revenue streams.
Among those sanctioned is Qingdao Haiye Oil Terminal Co., Ltd., a Chinese oil terminal operator accused of importing millions of barrels of crude oil in violation of US sanctions. Washington alleges that the company played a key role in generating billions of dollars for Tehran by supporting complex evasion tactics.
The US claims these operations involved illicit ship-to-ship oil transfers and the use of vessels already under sanctions to conceal the origin of cargo.
In response, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington, Liu Pengyu, rejected the sanctions, stating that China does not recognize unilateral measures lacking a basis in international law and opposes what it described as “long-arm jurisdiction.”
The sanctions also extend to several Chinese refineries and Hong Kong-based shipping firms allegedly involved in Iran’s oil trade, further escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing over energy and geopolitical interests.
