Rubio Threatens China

The U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced the possibility of imposing secondary sanctions against China if Beijing ignores restrictions aimed at Iran. During a press briefing at the White House on May 5, the Secretary emphasized that Washington has the appropriate tools for response.

In response to a question about Beijing circumventing the restrictions, Rubio stated, “We have the appropriate tools for response. If anyone ignores our sanctions, they may face secondary sanctions. I don’t have any new announcements on this matter today, but we do not take such measures just for symbolic gestures.”

Earlier, on May 1, the Wall Street Journal reported that Chinese private oil refining companies have become the main source of revenue for Iran. These plants, known as “samovars,” are purchasing the majority of Iranian oil exports. This scheme allows China to bypass American sanctions without officially involving state corporations.