China Opposes Unilateral Sanctions on Iranian Airlines, Reaffirms Support

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, China has expressed explicit opposition to sanctions targeting Iranian airlines, reaffirming its stance against unilateral and illegal measures. Speaking on the matter of landing permits for Iranian flights in Chinese territory, Guo Jiaxun, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated, “Our position is firm, and we oppose unilateral and illegal sanctions.”

Jiaxun had previously addressed questions regarding a warning from U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who indicated that Iranian airlines would face global operational restrictions. Bessent had also suggested potential pressure on countries providing landing or refueling services to these flights. In response, Jiaxun asserted, “China opposes unilateral illegal sanctions that lack a basis in international law and have not been authorized by the United Nations Security Council.”

During a press conference, a correspondent from Agence France-Presse inquired whether China would continue to accept Iranian flights, citing reports of planned landings in Guangzhou and Shanghai. Guo Jiaxun reiterated Beijing’s principled stance against unilateral sanctions on Tehran.

These statements follow U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent’s announcement that Iranian airlines would encounter significant international operational restrictions starting September 23rd. He had also warned that countries offering services such as refueling, landing, or ticket sales to Iranian aircraft could face limitations in their access to the U.S. dollar financial and settlement system.