[47963] Economic Escalation: China invokes 'blocking law' for the first time against US sanctions on Iranian oil

Escalation in the Trade War: China vs. USA

In a dramatic and first-of-its-kind move, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce has invoked the 'blocking laws' from 2021, ordering Chinese companies and citizens not to comply with sanctions imposed by the United States on five Chinese refineries involved in oil trade with Iran. According to reports on TabZ - Alternative Media and Rerum Novarum, Beijing defined the American measures as "unjustified" and a violation of international norms.

The American sanctions, based on executive orders (EO 13902 and 13846), were directed, among others, against the company 'Hengli Petrochemical'. The channel Bellum Acta – characterized by pro-American positions and criticism of Iran – noted that this move places multinational companies in a "direct legal conflict," as compliance with Washington could lead to sanctions from Beijing, and vice versa.

On the channel 🇦🇺Land Down Under🇦🇺, which presents a firm and unofficial line, the Chinese response was described as a "total refusal" of President Trump's demands. It was further claimed there that as part of the economic struggle, China took retaliatory measures against Hong Kong-owned ports in the Panama Canal that were closed under American pressure, while threatening to boycott ships that use these terminals.

Analysts note that this is a significant step toward deep economic decoupling between the powers. While the WarFront Witness channel, which supports the American position, reports the events as part of a round of pressure against Iran, Beijing emphasizes that it will not allow the US to impose its laws on Chinese territory.