Iranian crude oil volumes supplying China's energy system have allowed Beijing to diversify suppliers and ensure more competitive prices, while also providing Iran with vital financial support at a time when few buyers are willing to face secondary sanctions.The warning, issued by its ambassador to Iran, resonated not only in the Middle East but also in global energy markets, where the Chinese-Iranian relationship has occupied a strategic position for years.During a press conference in Tehran, the Chinese representative stated that the sanctions reinstated by the European block—particularly the United Kingdom, France, and Germany—lack legal validity and are inapplicable to his country.This balance, however, becomes fragile when the geopolitical scenario shifts, as is happening now with the E3's decision to revive sanctions that, for China, lack a legal basis.Both China and Russia maintain this position and have expressed it jointly on multilateral occasions on numerous occasions.The Iranian economy, heavily conditioned by US and European sanctions, finds in China its main trading partner.The forcefulness of the message reflected the deep level of mutual economic dependence between China and Iran, a bond built over decades under a scheme that combines energy cooperation, technology agreements, and participation in infrastructure projects.The background of this tension dates back to the decision to reactivate sanctions in September, under the mechanism known as 'snapback,' a tool that some members of the Security Council consider valid despite the deterioration of the original nuclear pact.Buenos Aires, December 7, 2025—Total News Agency (TNA)—Amid an international scenario marked by renewed tensions over the Iranian nuclear program and the restoration of sanctions driven by Western powers, China stepped forward with an unusually direct message: Beijing ensures it will 'take measures' if restrictions on Tehran affect its economy.According to estimates accepted by regional bodies, around 29% of Iran's non-oil exports are destined for the Asian giant, while approximately a quarter of its imports come from there.For Beijing, however, that agreement is considered expired in its operational terms, so it insists that reimposed restrictions do not bind third countries.But the most sensitive dimension of the link is energy-related: it is estimated that over 92% of the oil Tehran manages to place on the external market ends up in Chinese refineries, equivalent to an annual flow of between $65 and 70 billion.This mutual dependence configures a network of interests difficult to erode.The diplomat was explicit in stating that his government 'will not hesitate to act' if its commercial interests are harmed.This bond, far from weakening, has intensified in recent years.
