China Rejects Unilateral Sanctions as Trump Signs Expanded Russia, Iran Measures

China has reiterated its opposition to unilateral sanctions imposed without United Nations authorization after US President Donald Trump signed legislation expanding sanctions targeting Russia and extending existing measures against Iran. A Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson said Beijing opposes sanctions that lack a basis in international law and rejects so-called secondary sanctions imposed on third countries.

The spokesperson said China conducts normal economic and trade cooperation with other countries on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, adding that such cooperation should not be disrupted or subjected to coercion by third parties. Beijing also said it reserves the right to take measures to safeguard its development interests.

Trump signed the “Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026” into law on Friday, according to the White House. The legislation authorizes expanded sanctions, tariffs and restrictions targeting Russia, including potential tariffs of up to 100 percent on goods from major importers of Russian oil or natural gas, while also extending existing US sanctions on Iran’s energy and defense sectors. The bill passed the House of Representatives by 262–159 after receiving Senate approval by 86–11.