Xi signals defiance as U.S. threatens sanctions for Iran support

Xi Jinping’s government is sending a message of defiance to Donald Trump over China’s economic ties with Iran. Hours after the U.S. sanctioned dozens of Chinese entities and threatened to target an unspecified “major financial institution” for its dealings with Tehran, Beijing responded by saying its relationship with Iran “should not be disrupted or undermined.” China will take “all necessary measures” to safeguard its interests, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian warned. The response underscores the risk of another clash between the superpowers as Trump promotes an economic onslaught against Iran in a bid to pressure the Islamic Republic into a deal.