China vows to protect its rights as US readies Iran sanction

China's ​foreign ministry said on Monday Beijing will closely ‌watch developments and do what is necessary to protect its rights as the U.S. ‌prepares to unveil new Iran sanctions that ‌are expected to target Tehran's trading partners.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who is set to ⁠hold ​a press ⁠conference at 1 p.m. EDT (1700 GMT) on ⁠Monday, has threatened to impose "the toughest sanctions in ​history" on Iran and urged China to ⁠cooperate with Washington. Speaking at a daily press ⁠conference ​on Monday, foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian also urged parties to act rationally ⁠with restraint, warning that sanctions and pressure tactics ⁠do ⁠not help to resolve issues.