China Hits Back at US 'Economic Wars' as Washington Moves to Isolate Iran

China has sharply criticized the United States for what it calls "economic wars," following Washington’s latest move to cut off Iran’s oil revenue. Beijing’s statement signals growing friction between the world’s two largest economies over trade and geopolitical strategy. The Chinese government did not specify which US actions it was referring to, but the timing points directly to new American sanctions aimed at squeezing Iran’s energy exports. Beijing has long opposed unilateral sanctions, arguing that they disrupt global markets and violate international norms. Washington’s campaign appears designed to pressure Tehran over its nuclear program and regional influence. However, China remains a major buyer of Iranian oil, and any sharp reduction in those imports could hurt Chinese refineries and raise energy costs. Analysts say the dispute is part of a broader pattern. The US has used economic tools to counter rivals, while China sees such measures as a threat to its own trade security. The result is a deepening standoff with no clear off-ramp. For now, Beijing’s rhetoric is firm but stops short of concrete retaliation. The coming weeks will show whether China will quietly comply with US demands or find ways to keep buying Iranian crude. Either way, the clash over "economic wars" is far from over.