China Unusually Blocks U.S. Sanctions!

Today, Lianhe Zaobao of Singapore reported: "China has issued its first-ever order to 'block' U.S. sanctions—this move could make China's banking sector the focal point in the competition between the world's two largest economies."

On May 2, in response to U.S. sanctions targeting five Chinese companies over alleged involvement in Iran oil transactions, China's Ministry of Commerce issued a blocking order prohibiting the recognition, enforcement, or compliance with U.S. sanctions. On May 4, Bloomberg reported that this blocking measure represents Beijing’s most aggressive counteraction yet against Washington’s financial tools.

For the first time, China invoked its 2021-enacted Measures on Blocking the Improper Extraterritorial Application of Foreign Laws and Measures, using legal instruments for "precision retaliation" against America’s so-called "long-arm jurisdiction," firmly safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises and signaling a resolute stance: "When pushed beyond endurance, further tolerance is no longer necessary."

The "blocking order" sends a strong countermeasure signal. Previously, China mostly responded to U.S. sanctions through diplomatic protests or ad hoc countermeasures. This time, by formally issuing a blocking order to systematically reject the extraterritorial authority of U.S. laws, it marks a shift from "passive response" to "active shaping." The banking sector has become the focal point because the U.S. dollar settlement system is the core lever of American sanctions—China’s blocking action directly challenges this hegemonic instrument.

"Precision retaliation" demonstrates strategic wisdom: it secures moral high ground while preserving room for negotiation. From rare earth controls to the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law, from industrial chain security regulations to the blocking order, China’s legal arsenal is now fully equipped. If the United States continues its "long-arm jurisdiction," China’s countermeasures will grow increasingly forceful—no longer allowing the U.S. to act at will.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1864231530112012/

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