China Criticizes US Sanctions Threats as Iranian Arms Embargo Expires
China said it may trade arms with Iran due now that the United Nations arms embargo has expired. It also criticized the U.S. for saying it will sanction countries that trade with Iran. “This is an important moment in the implementation process of the [Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action],” a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Oct. 19. “China will continue handling arms trade in a prudent manner.”
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The U.S. failed to convince U.N. members to extend the Iranian arms embargo (see 2008170017), which expired Oct. 18. As a result, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo triggered snapback sanctions on Iran even though some U.N. members questioned U.S. authority to do so (see 2008210009). Pompeo reaffirmed the U.S. position Oct. 18. The U.S. will use “domestic authorities” to sanction any person or entity involved in arms trade with Iran, he said.
The U.S. sanctions threat “makes no sense,” China said, reiterating that the JCPOA makes “clear arrangements” for lifting the arms embargo. “The United States even claims China will export huge amounts of weapons to Iran. In fact, China's policy and practice on export of military articles reflect a high sense of responsibility,” the ministry spokesperson said, adding that the U.S. routinely sells arms across the world. “It is in no position to make unwarranted accusations against China.”