Beijing rejects US warning to Hong Kong to avoid vessel carrying Iranian oil, saying energy relations between nations must be respected
- Chinese foreign ministry speaks out against ‘long arm jurisdiction’ following plea from Washington not to engage with the oil tanker
- Reports are conflicted over whether the vessel carrying Iranian oil is coming to Hong Kong
Beijing has dismissed Washington’s warning to Hong Kong not to provide services to a vessel carrying Iranian oil, saying “normal energy dealings” between the international community and the Middle East nation are reasonable, lawful and should be respected.
A Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman reiterated its opposition to America’s “long arm jurisdiction” and “unilateral sanction” in a statement issued to the Post on Wednesday.
“China has all along opposed unilateral sanctions and so-called long arm jurisdiction,” the spokesman said.
The response came as the Hong Kong government dropped hints it would not heed Washington’s requests.
“The normal energy dealings between Iran and the international community, including China, that is within the framework of international laws, are reasonable, lawful, and should be respected and protected,” the ministry added.
Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Commerce and Economic Development Bureau said it would be “strictly implementing sanctions decided by the United Nations”.
