China condemns new U.S. sanctions law and warns of possible countermeasures
China’s Commerce Ministry opposed the U.S. sanctions law targeting Russia and Iran, including measures affecting third-country trade. A spokesperson said Beijing was monitoring subsequent U.S. actions and reserved the right to protect Chinese interests.
By DoomRadar · Published on DoomRadar . Updated .
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How the effects could reach youConditional effects
What happened
The United States signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 into law on September 18, according to China’s Commerce Ministry spokesperson. [2]
References for this detail (1)
- China opposes 'secondary sanctions,' urges US to maintain stable trade tieschina.org.cn · Recorded source date: Sep 20, 2026, 10:01 AM UTC
China opposed unilateral sanctions without United Nations authorization or an international-law basis, including so-called secondary sanctions targeting third countries. [2][1]
References for this detail (2)
- China opposes "secondary sanctions," urges U.S. to maintain stable trade ties-- Beijing Reviewbjreview.com · Recorded source date: Sep 20, 2026, 7:01 AM UTC
- China opposes 'secondary sanctions,' urges US to maintain stable trade tieschina.org.cn · Recorded source date: Sep 20, 2026, 10:01 AM UTC
The law strengthens sanctions on Russia, extends sanctions related to Iran, and authorizes additional measures; another source describes provisions allowing tariffs of up to 100% on goods from countries buying Russian oil and gas. [2][3]
References for this detail (2)
- China opposes 'secondary sanctions,' urges US to maintain stable trade tieschina.org.cn · Recorded source date: Sep 20, 2026, 10:01 AM UTC
- Китай о новых санкциях США: "Оставляем за собой право принять все меры для защиты суверенитета"newsru.co.il · Recorded source date: Sep 20, 2026, 8:32 AM UTC
China said it would closely follow subsequent U.S. measures and reserved the right to take necessary steps to protect its sovereignty, development interests and Chinese companies’ rights. [2][3]
References for this detail (2)
- China opposes 'secondary sanctions,' urges US to maintain stable trade tieschina.org.cn · Recorded source date: Sep 20, 2026, 10:01 AM UTC
- Китай о новых санкциях США: "Оставляем за собой право принять все меры для защиты суверенитета"newsru.co.il · Recorded source date: Sep 20, 2026, 8:32 AM UTC
Context from the sources
The stated U.S. legislation concerns both Russia and Iran and is described as potentially affecting countries that purchase Russian energy, including China and India. [3]
Explore the sources and reporting timeline
3 source links · 3 domains
These counts describe the references, not independent confirmations. Different outlets can repeat the same original report.
Source timeline
Oldest to newest among the available source dates, not a chronology of the incident. Article publication dates come from the source; other recorded dates may reflect when a link was found.
- [1] China opposes "secondary sanctions," urges U.S. to maintain stable trade ties-- Beijing Reviewbjreview.comReferenced for: detail 2
- [3] Китай о новых санкциях США: "Оставляем за собой право принять все меры для защиты суверенитета"newsru.co.ilReferenced for: detail 3, detail 4
- [2] China opposes 'secondary sanctions,' urges US to maintain stable trade tieschina.org.cnReferenced for: detail 1, detail 2, detail 3, detail 4
What this could mean for you
Some imported goods could become more expensive or less available.
Tariffs or sanctions affecting third-country trade can raise import costs and disrupt sourcing.
Reported basis: [2][3] · The possible effect is interpretation.
Depends on: The United States must impose additional measures that affect Chinese or other major suppliers.
Possible time frame: months, if those conditions hold.
Companies trading across the affected markets may face added compliance work or delayed transactions.
Secondary-sanctions exposure can require firms to review counterparties, payments and supply chains.
Reported basis: [2][3] · The possible effect is interpretation.
Depends on: Additional U.S. enforcement or implementing rules must be issued.
Possible time frame: weeks, if those conditions hold.
Possible consequences, not a forecast. Their relevance depends on your location and the conditions above.
For your country
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What changes the outlook
Risk increases if…
The United States announces implementing measures against Chinese entities or other major buyers of Russian energy.
China announces targeted countermeasures affecting U.S. goods or companies.
Pressure eases if…
The United States clarifies exemptions that protect ordinary trade with third countries.
Washington and Beijing resolve the dispute through the dialogue and consultation urged by China.
Still unclear
The sources do not establish which Chinese companies or products would be targeted by future U.S. measures.
The sources do not establish whether China will adopt specific retaliatory measures.
Market implications
Market impact
Sources (3)
References for the reported details. Separate links do not necessarily mean independent confirmation.
Available excerpt
China firmly opposes unilateral sanctions that lack authorization from the United Nations and a basis in international law, as well as so-called "secondary sanctions" targeting…A short excerpt from our source record; open the original for the full article.
Available excerpt
Китай подверг резкой критике введение США нового пакета антироссийских санкций, принятого Конгрессом и утвержденного президентом Дональдом Трампом. Он предусматривает 100% пошлины на товары из государств,…A short excerpt from our source record; open the original for the full article.
First tracked by DoomRadar: . AI-assisted analysis · . Based on linked headlines and available excerpts. Methodology · Report an error.