Beijing Defends Continuity of Iranian Flights, Rejects Unilateral Sanctions

China affirmed opposition to unilateral sanctions lacking international legal basis or Security Council authorization, responding to continued Iranian flight landings despite U.S. sanctions. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, at a press conference, addressed U.S. decisions to halt Iranian airline operations globally, and inquiries regarding China's reception of scheduled Iranian flights to Guangzhou and Shanghai. Guo Jiakun reiterated: "China opposes illegal unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law and lack authorization from the UN Security Council." U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Peasant previously warned Iranian airlines would face global difficulties from sanctions. He noted countries providing them landing or fuel services might face measures impacting their access to the dollar-based financial system.