China Opposes US Sanctions on Oil Refineries

May 3, 2026, 13:00
ChinaPolitics

Introduction

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has forbidden domestic companies from following US sanctions against five oil refineries that are allegedly involved in the Iranian oil trade.

Main Body

The conflict began when the US Treasury identified five Chinese refineries—including Hengli Petrochemical and others in Shandong and Hebei—as sources of revenue for Iran. The US government asserts that these funds support Iranian military and weapons programs. However, the Chinese government emphasizes that its state-owned companies have not bought Iranian crude oil directly, pointing out that customs data shows no such imports since 2023. Beijing's reaction is the first time it has used a specific legal tool to stop foreign laws from being applied outside their own borders. The Ministry of Commerce argued that sanctions without a United Nations mandate violate international law and threaten national security. While the US State Department claims these measures are necessary to stop illegal trade, China views them as an unfair interference in business. This disagreement happens while oil prices have risen above $120 per barrel because of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and a US naval blockade of Iranian ports. Furthermore, the US and its European allies disagree on how to handle military operations against Iran.

Conclusion

China has officially banned its companies from obeying these US sanctions, while global oil markets remain unstable due to regional conflicts and sea blockades.

Learning

🚀 The 'Power-Up' Shift: Moving from Basic to Precise

At the A2 level, you likely use words like say, stop, or bad. To reach B2, you need Precise Verbs—words that tell us how someone is speaking or why something is happening.

🔍 The "Precision Upgrade" Map

Look at how this text replaces simple A2 words with B2 "Power-Verbs":

A2 (Simple)B2 (Precise)Context from Text
Say/ClaimAssert"The US government asserts that..."
Say/ShowEmphasize"China emphasizes that..."
StopForbid"...has forbidden domestic companies..."
Think/BelieveView"...China views them as unfair..."

💡 Why this matters for B2

In A2, you describe facts. In B2, you describe intent.

  • If you say "The US says it's bad," you are a beginner.
  • If you say "The US asserts the trade is illegal," you sound like a professional.

🛠️ Grammar Spotlight: The "Passive-ish" Logic

Notice the phrase: "...foreign laws from being applied."

The Logic: Instead of saying "The US applies laws," the text focuses on the laws themselves.

  • A2 Structure: Person →\rightarrow Action →\rightarrow Object.
  • B2 Structure: Object →\rightarrow Action (State of being).

Try this mental switch:

  • A2: "The teacher gave me a grade."
  • B2: "The grade was given to me." →\rightarrow "I am concerned about the grade being given." (Focuses on the process, not just the person).

🚩 Vocabulary Alert: "Allegedly"

This is a 'magic word' for B2 students. It means "people say this is true, but it is not proven yet."

*"...refineries that are allegedly involved..."

Using allegedly protects you from being wrong. It moves you from simple storytelling to critical analysis.

Vocabulary Learning

forbidden
Not allowed by law or rules
Example:The company was forbidden from selling the product.
sanctions
Penalties imposed by a government or international body
Example:The sanctions were imposed on the country for violating human rights.
refineries
Facilities that process crude oil into usable products
Example:The refineries produce gasoline and diesel.
allegedly
According to what is claimed or reported
Example:The suspect allegedly stole the money.
revenue
Income earned from business activities
Example:The company's revenue increased by 10%.
military
Relating to armed forces
Example:The military launched a new training program.
customs
Government agency that regulates goods entering a country
Example:Customs inspected the shipment.
imports
To bring goods into a country
Example:The country imports cars from Japan.
reaction
A response to an event
Example:The public reaction was swift.
legal
Relating to law
Example:He gave a legal explanation.
violate
To break a rule or law
Example:They violated the safety regulations.
international
Involving more than one country
Example:The international conference attracted many delegates.
threaten
To create danger or risk
Example:The storm threatens the coastal towns.
necessary
Required or essential
Example:Water is necessary for life.
illegal
Not allowed by law
Example:Selling drugs is illegal.
interference
The act of interfering
Example:The interference disrupted the meeting.
business
Commercial activity
Example:He runs his own business.
disagreement
Lack of agreement
Example:Their disagreement lasted for months.
prices
The cost of goods
Example:Prices have risen sharply.
rising
Going up
Example:The rising temperatures are concerning.
barrel
Container for oil
Example:A barrel of oil costs $70.
closure
The act of closing
Example:The closure of the bridge caused delays.
Strait
Narrow water passage
Example:The Strait of Gibraltar connects two seas.
blockade
A military action to stop goods
Example:The blockade prevented supplies.
naval
Relating to navy
Example:The naval fleet patrolled the waters.
ports
Harbors
Example:Ports were busy with ships.
operations
Military actions
Example:Operations were conducted at night.
markets
Places where goods are traded
Example:Stock markets fluctuate daily.
unstable
Not steady
Example:The political situation is unstable.