China Defies U.S. Sanctions on Oil Refineries, Citing Violation of International Law

China's Ministry of Commerce has condemned recent U.S. sanctions against five of its small-scale refineries, known as 'teapot' refineries, for allegedly importing Iranian oil. The ministry stated that the sanctions violate international law and undermine global trade norms. In a firm response, China declared the sanctions illegal and vowed to take countermeasures to protect its energy security and domestic enterprises. The move highlights escalating tensions between the world's two largest economies over energy policy and international sanctions.