Beijing, China – The Chinese government on Monday strongly opposed the sanctions imposed by the United States on three Chinese companies accused of providing technological and intelligence support to Iranian military operations.
Beijing described the measures as “illegal and unilateral.” It also affirmed its determination to take all necessary measures to protect the legitimate interests of its domestic companies in the face of escalating US pressure.
US accusations of intelligence support
Washington, through its Secretary of State Marco Rubio, announced the blacklisting of Mintrope Technology (also known as Mizarvision), The Earth Eye, and Chang Guang Satellite Technology.
According to the US statement, these companies provided satellite imagery and precise data. This data enabled Tehran to launch military strikes against US forces in the Middle East. Its significance is particularly evident during Operation Epic Wrath.
The US State Department explained that Mintrope published open-source images detailing US military activity, while Chang Guang collected intelligence on allied forces at the direct request of Iran. These sanctions are part of a broader package targeting 10 entities involved in procuring components for Iran’s drone and missile programs.
Beijing’s response: Protecting companies and rejecting “malicious linkages”.
At a regular press conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun emphasized that Beijing consistently requires its companies to abide by international law. However, it will not stand idly by in the face of political targeting.
Guo stated, “The urgent priority now is to prevent a return to war by all means, rather than using the war as a pretext to maliciously link other countries and smear their reputations.”
The spokesperson stressed that China views these sanctions as an attempt to curb its technological rise and interfere with its strategic relations with countries in the region. He also affirmed that Beijing “will resolutely protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies” against what he termed “trade bullying.”
Sensitive timing and diplomatic tension
This escalation comes just days before the anticipated summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, placing the Iranian issue as one of the most complex matters on the negotiating table.
Observers believe that Washington is seeking to use sanctions as leverage to pressure Beijing to reduce its economic and technological support for Tehran, at a time when the military situation in the Middle East and along global energy routes is becoming increasingly sensitive.
These developments reflect the deep divide between the two superpowers. China refuses to comply with unilateral US sanctions, maintaining that its relationship with Iran falls within the realm of legitimate economic cooperation, while Washington views it as a direct threat to its national security and regional stability.
