China has escalated tensions with the US by issuing a legal injunction to block sanctions on its refineries linked to Iranian oil trade, signaling a direct institutional pushback against Washington’s global enforcement mechanisms. By shielding key domestic energy firms, Beijing is not only protecting economic interests but also challenging the legitimacy of unilateral sanctions in international law. This move reflects a broader geopolitical contest over control, compliance, and influence within global energy markets, with potential ripple effects across trade and diplomatic relations.
China’s Ministry of Commerce has issued a formal injunction to counter US sanctions targeting five Chinese refineries accused of processing Iranian crude, directly challenging Washington’s extraterritorial enforcement strategy. The move, reported by Xinhua News Agency, signals Beijing’s intent to shield domestic firms from unilateral restrictions and reinforce its legal stance in global energy disputes.
The injunction specifically protects Hengli Petrochemical, previously sanctioned by the US Treasury for allegedly purchasing billions of dollars in Iranian oil. It also extends to four independent “teapot” refineries—Shandong Jincheng Petrochemical Group, Hebei Xinhai Chemical Group, Shouguang Luqing Petrochemical, and Shandong Shengxing Chemical—all previously blacklisted during the Maximum Pressure Campaign.
In its official statement, the Commerce Ministry denounced the US sanctions as violations of international law and fundamental norms governing international relations, reinforcing Beijing’s position against what it views as illegitimate extraterritorial jurisdiction.