Beijing argues that unilateral sanctions and trade wars benefit no one and only increase international tensions.

According to Reuters, on the evening of January 12, China voiced its opposition to the US move, affirming Beijing's "consistent and clear" stance against the arbitrary imposition of tariffs.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington wrote on the X platform: "Tariff wars or trade wars do not benefit any side. Coercive measures or pressure tactics cannot resolve the issue."

"China firmly opposes all unlawful unilateral sanctions and the exercise of extraterritorial jurisdiction, and will take all necessary measures to protect its legitimate rights and interests," the statement said.

Previously, on January 12, US President Donald Trump announced that any country continuing to maintain trade relations with Iran would face a 25% tariff on all trade with the United States.

The statement comes as Washington considers measures to respond to escalating instability in Iran, which is witnessing the largest wave of anti -government protests in years.

Not only China, but also Japan and South Korea – two countries that signed trade agreements with the US last year – have said they are closely monitoring these developments.

"We will review and implement necessary measures once the specific actions of the U.S. government are clarified," the South Korean Ministry of Trade said.

Japanese Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Masanao Ozaki said Tokyo would "carefully consider the specific details of the measures when they are announced, assess their potential impact on Japan, and formulate an appropriate response."

According to Reuters, Iran, a member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), has faced strict US sanctions for many years.

Currently, the majority of Iran's oil is exported to China. Türkiye, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and India are also among Tehran's major trading partners.

Source: Tuoi Tre News

• USTR Makes Findings and Proposes Action in 60 Section 301 Investigations Relating to Failures to Take Action on Trade in Forced Labor Goods
• [VCCI] The US officially initiates a Section 301 Investigation into Vietnam on Intellectual property
• General Secretary and President To Lam's working visit to three ASEAN countries: Demonstrating the stature of proactive and constructive diplomacy.
• Viet Nam accelerates innovation drive as skilled workforce becomes key to science and technology growth
• The US is increasing controls on AI chip exports