China opposes US sanctions over Iran, pledges to protect firms

​China voiced ​strong opposition ‌on Monday to ​U.S. sanctions for three ‌China-based companies that Washington claimed enabled Iran's military operations, calling the curbs ‌illegal and unilateral.

"We have ‌always required Chinese enterprises to conduct business in accordance with laws ⁠and ​regulations, ⁠and will firmly safeguard the legitimate rights ⁠and interests of Chinese enterprises," spokesperson ​Guo Jiakun told a regular ⁠press briefing.

"The pressing priority is to ⁠prevent ​by all means a relapse in fighting, rather ⁠than using the war to maliciously ⁠associate and ⁠smear other countries."