China firmly opposes unilateral sanctions that lack authorization from the United Nations and a basis in international law, as well as so-called "secondary sanctions" targeting third countries, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce said on September 19.

The remarks came in response to a question about the United States signing the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 into law on September 18 (U.S. Eastern Time). The legislation strengthens sanctions against Russia, extends sanctions related to Iran, and authorizes tariffs of up to 100 percent on certain third countries that import Russian oil or natural gas.

China has always conducted normal economic and trade cooperation with countries around the world on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, the spokesperson said, adding that such cooperation targets no third party and is not subject to interference or coercion by third parties.

China will closely follow subsequent U.S. measures and reserves the right to take all necessary steps to firmly safeguard its national sovereignty and development interests, as well as the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies, the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson called on the United States to work with China in the same direction and maintain stable economic and trade relations through dialogue and consultation, while contributing to maintaining the global trade order and the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains.