China rejects Trump’s threat of ‘tremendous economic consequences’ over Iran trade

China has rejected US President Donald Trump’s threat of an “economic D-Day” against Iran and countries that continue trading with Tehran, calling for negotiations instead.

Trump warned on Wednesday that countries doing business with Iran could face “tremendous economic consequences” as Washington seeks to increase economic pressure on Tehran.

China, a crucial trading partner for Iran, pushed back against the threat on Friday.

“Sanctions and pressure tactics are not the solution,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a news briefing, according to CNN.

Beijing said sanctions do not “fit the interest of any party” and urged those involved to resolve their disputes through dialogue and reach a political settlement.

The response comes after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged China to “get with the program” following Trump’s announcement.

Iran also condemned the US threat as Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Tehran was prepared to “sacrifice our wealth” to defend the country’s “dignity and honor,” according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency.

“We must plan for unjust sanctions so that we can overcome them,” Ghalibaf added.

China has maintained significant economic ties with Iran while keeping diplomatic channels open with both sides during the ongoing US-Iran conflict.