China denounces US threat of sanctions over trade with Iran

Beijing says it will take all necessary measures' to protect its interests as US steps up efforts to isolate Tehran

• Explainer: could US sanctions threaten China-Iran ties?

China has denounced the threat of US sanctions for its trade with Iran, saying any such measures would be illegal, and warned it would take all necessary measures" to protect its national interests.

Beijing's rejection of the US threat of secondary sanctions for any country or entity continuing to trade with Tehran had been predicted. China buys an estimated 80% of Iran's oil exports and has defied previous US efforts to limit the flow of revenue to the Tehran regime.