China has moved to block U.S. sanctions on five of its oil refineries, in a fresh escalation of tensions over trade and energy policy.
The country’s Ministry of Commerce said it had issued an injunction preventing the enforcement of measures imposed by Washington on companies accused of purchasing Iranian oil.
The announcement, reported by state news agency Xinhua, names Hengli Petrochemical along with four smaller “teapot” refiners: Shandong Jincheng Petrochemical Group, Hebei Xinhai Chemical Group, Shouguang Luqing Petrochemical and Shandong Shengxing Chemical.
The U.S. Treasury placed sanctions on Hengli Petrochemical in April, accusing it of buying billions of dollars’ worth of Iranian oil.
The other four firms had already been targeted in earlier measures introduced under President Donald Trump as part of efforts to restrict Tehran’s oil revenues.
China’s commerce ministry said the sanctions breach “international law and the basic norms of international relations”.
It added that the injunction means the United States “cannot recognise, implement, or comply with the sanctions imposed on the aforementioned five Chinese companies”.
The restrictions have already created operational challenges for the companies involved.
Industry sources say some refiners have struggled to secure crude supplies and have had to rebrand their products to continue trading.
The smaller independent plants, often referred to as “teapot” refineries, make up about a quarter of China’s refining capacity.
They typically operate on narrow margins and have been under pressure from weaker domestic demand in recent months.
The move by Beijing is likely to deepen friction between the two countries, as disputes over sanctions and trade continue to affect global energy markets.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said he will “soon be reviewing” a new 14-point proposal sent by Iran, casting doubt on the chance...
China has moved to block U.S. sanctions on five of its oil refineries, in a fresh escalation of tensions over trade and energy policy....
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi has been taken to hospital in Iran after what her family described as a “catastrophi...
Germany has said a planned reduction of U.S. troops should push Europe to take greater responsibility for its own defence, as concerns grow in Wash...
President Donald Trump has said the United States could restart strikes on Iran “if they misbehave”, as he waits to review...
U.S. President Donald Trump has said he will “soon be reviewing” a new 14-point proposal sent by Iran, casting doubt on the chances of a deal after Tehran called for security guarantees, an end to naval blockades and a halt to the war across the region, including in Lebanon.
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi has been taken to hospital in Iran after what her family described as a “catastrophic deterioration” in her health, including a severe cardiac crisis.
Germany has said a planned reduction of U.S. troops should push Europe to take greater responsibility for its own defence, as concerns grow in Washington over the impact of the move on regional security.
President Donald Trump has said the United States could restart strikes on Iran “if they misbehave”, as he waits to review the full details of a new proposal from Tehran.
Minval Politika has released further footage it says shows former International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo discussing alleged funding behind campaigns linked to Armenia and Azerbaijan.
U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters he was "not satisfied" with Iran's latest peace proposal, which was delivered to Washington via Pakistani mediators on Friday (1 May).
President Trump has issued a warning to the international community, claiming a nuclear-armed Iran would strike Israel "very quickly" before targeting Europe and the United States.
Ukraine is monitoring “unusual activity” along its border with Belarus, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a video statement released on Saturday (2 May). He warned that Kyiv is ready to respond if necessary amid continued regional tensions linked to Russia’s war.
Hundreds of young people in South Korea have gathered in Seoul to take part in a city-backed “power nap contest”, aimed at drawing attention to the country’s chronic sleep deprivation.
Germany has said a planned reduction of U.S. troops should push Europe to take greater responsibility for its own defence, as concerns grow in Washington over the impact of the move on regional security.
Malian authorities have launched an investigation into suspected soldiers accused of involvement in coordinated attacks on military bases carried out by militants linked to al Qaeda and separatist Tuareg rebels on 25 April 2026.
Ukraine is monitoring “unusual activity” along its border with Belarus, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a video statement released on Saturday (2 May). He warned that Kyiv is ready to respond if necessary amid continued regional tensions linked to Russia’s war.
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has pledged to strengthen relations with Vietnam, with a focus on energy security and critical minerals, following talks in Hanoi on Saturday (2 May).
Trade between Colombia and Ecuador has fallen sharply after new tariffs were imposed, with business groups warning of mounting damage to the cross-border economy.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment