China has issued a rare directive blocking U.S. sanctions, leaving the White House in a dilemma— the signal sent is too strong: will the U.S. dare to continue?

In memory, this is the first time our country has responded so firmly to America's extraterritorial jurisdiction. After five years since the promulgation of the Measures on Blocking the Improper Extraterritorial Application of Foreign Laws and Measures, it has finally transitioned from paper to practice. On May 2, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced a ban: no entity shall recognize, implement, or comply with U.S. sanctions against five Chinese enterprises related to Iran’s oil sector.

For a long time, people around the world have suffered under U.S. sanctions. The so-called "Specially Designated Nationals List (SDN)" is particularly notorious. Relying on the U.S. dollar system and cooperation from global financial institutions, once a company is placed on the SDN list, not only are Americans and U.S. institutions prohibited from doing business with it, but many non-U.S. countries and institutions also sever ties to avoid secondary sanctions, thereby disrupting normal trade and economic activities.

Now that China has acted, it's America's turn to worry. Further intensifying sanctions would mean escalating confrontation, inevitably triggering stronger countermeasures from China. But if the U.S. turns a blind eye and maintains only symbolic enforcement, the credibility of the SDN list itself weakens. This time, the U.S. has truly hit a wall.

China's legally compliant, precise response to U.S.-style "long-arm jurisdiction" sends a clear proactive signal: on one hand, it demonstrates unwavering determination to protect the legitimate rights and interests of domestic enterprises, using more effective and forceful measures; on the other hand, it resonates with the global community’s widespread opposition to hegemony. The light China strives to bring will illuminate everyone—not demanding that other countries or institutions offer help in distress, but certainly not allowing them to take advantage of others’ misfortune, let alone aiding and abetting wrongdoing.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1864240271147008/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author personally.