China warns new US sanctions on Iran will 'escalate the situation'

Beijing: China said Monday that sanctions and additional pressure "will not help resolve the issue," as the US has threatened to impose secondary sanctions on countries that trade with Iran.

"They will only exacerbate tensions and escalate the situation, which is in no one's interest," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said during a daily briefing in Beijing.

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He added that China was calling on all parties to avoid measures "that could further intensify differences and conflicts and disrupt global economic development and financial stability."

China is considered the biggest buyer of Iranian oil, and was importing more than 80% of Iranian oil before the US-Israeli war with Iran.