China’s sanctions countermeasure marks a new phase in the oil conflict with the U.S.

May 6, 2026 at 03:52 PM

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Lanka Leader

Sergey Poletaev, an information analyst and journalist specializing in Russian foreign policy and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, wrote an article for RT, pointing out that China has changed its position on US sanctions. The abstract of the article, titled "China’s sanctions pushback marks a new phase in the oil war with Washington," is below.

On May 2, China’s Ministry of Commerce blocked U.S. restrictions on five Chinese refineries that had been sanctioned for importing Iranian oil using “shadow fleets.”

Why this matters:

China had hesitated for a year, but the tipping point came when the U.S. sanctioned a large refinery in Dalian (400,000 barrels/day)—larger than the previous four combined. Beijing shifted from warnings to action.

Legal basis:

A 2021 anti-sanctions law was largely symbolic until March 2025, when Premier Li Qiang activated it. In April 2026, China issued detailed regulations allowing asset freezes, entry bans, and business restrictions on foreign entities that target China.

Iran connection:

The U.S. is blockading the Strait of Hormuz, but Iranian “shadow fleet” tankers continue delivering oil to China. Washington is pressuring Chinese buyers to back off.

China’s new stance:

Traditionally, China avoided direct confrontation, using loopholes. But now, facing oil shortages, it’s moving toward open resistance. The U.S. may struggle to retaliate effectively. China could finally activate its own payment system (CIPS) as an alternative to SWIFT.

Irony:

For years, Russia and Iran wanted China to challenge U.S. control over global trade, but China refused. Now, Trump’s pressure is forcing China to do exactly that—potentially backfiring on the U.S.

China’s sanctions pushback marks a new phase in the oil war with Washington