China tells firms to ignore US sanctions on oil refiners ahead of Trump visit
China’s Ministry of Commerce ordered domestic companies to disregard newly imposed US sanctions targeting five oil refiners accused of buying Iranian crude, calling the measures a breach of international law. The directive comes less than two weeks before a planned visit by former US President Donald Trump, signalling Beijing’s pushback against American financial pressure. The sanctions affect firms such as Dalian‑based Hengli Petrochemical.