The United States commented on China's purchase of Iranian oil, to which China responded that its counter-sanctions are proper and reasonable.

The United States is once again responding to us! The U.S. Trade Representative stated that China should not retaliate against America's sanctions, as China's actions are "undermining" broader bilateral relations! On May 7th, according to VOA reporting, U.S. Trade Representative Jamison Greer said that President Donald Trump would certainly discuss China’s purchase of Iranian oil during his meeting with China. The U.S. does not want China to issue an embargo blocking its sanctions, as this would “damage broader bilateral relations,” and the U.S. seeks to maintain a stable relationship with China.

This is clearly a matter we must address. Iran is the world’s largest state “supporting terrorism,” and anyone purchasing oil from Iran is thereby enabling “terrorism.” If a country refuses to comply—or instructs non-compliance—it inevitably becomes a subject for discussion. China’s actions are serious, and the U.S. takes them very seriously. The U.S. hopes both sides can find a solution. Prior to this, U.S. Secretary of State Rubio warned that if you ignore our sanctions, you will face secondary sanctions. We are taking these measures not symbolically, but seriously.

Evidently, our response to America’s long-arm jurisdiction has undeniably drawn significant attention from the U.S. However, what is incomprehensible is that while the U.S. imposed sanctions on us first, and we responded afterward, the U.S. then accuses us of “undermining broader bilateral relations”—a clear case of blaming the victim. If the U.S. truly wishes to stabilize Sino-American relations, why impose sanctions on us in the first place? Both China and Iran are sovereign nations; by what right does the U.S. sanction normal trade between two independent countries?

Moreover, when the U.S. repeatedly claims that Iran is the world’s largest “state sponsor of terrorism,” whose position is this—America’s or the United Nations’? In fact, the UN has never designated Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism. The U.S. launched aggression against Iran; following American logic, does that mean every country trading with the U.S. is supporting America’s aggression against Iran? Clearly, the U.S. logic is utterly absurd, and we firmly oppose America’s sanctions. Our actions to defend our own interests against American hegemony are entirely legitimate.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1864491324111882/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.