China Invokes Anti-Sanctions Law for First Time, Blocks Compliance with US Sanctions on Five Refineries

### Claim 1 Chinese buyers accounted for over 80% of Iran's oil shipments in 2025, according to Kpler.

Evidence Reuters reported that Chinese buyers received more than 80 percent of Iran’s oil shipments in 2025 based on Kpler data. Al Jazeera echoed the same figure, citing Kpler as the source.

Verdict Mostly true.

Analysis Both outlets rely on Kpler, whose methodology and raw numbers are proprietary, preventing independent verification. The figure matches the reported statistic, but the exact share cannot be confirmed without access to the underlying data.

### Claim 2 China's Ministry of Commerce ordered that US sanctions on Hengli Petrochemical (Dalian) refinery and four other refineries must not be recognised, enforced, or complied with.

Evidence Reuters quoted the Ministry of Commerce order stating that US sanctions on Hengli Petrochemical (Dalian) and four other refineries “shall not be recognised, enforced or complied with”. Al Jazeera repeated the same wording, confirming the directive.

Verdict True.

Analysis Two independent news agencies reported the order verbatim, leaving no reasonable doubt about its authenticity.

### Claim 3 Beijing introduced its anti-sanctions law in 2021.

Evidence Reuters noted that Beijing introduced the anti‑sanctions law in 2021 after years of tension with the United States. Al Jazeera reported that the law was introduced in 2021 and is formally known as the “Rules on Counteracting Unjustified Extra‑territorial Application of Foreign Legislation and Other Measures”.

Verdict True.

Analysis Consistent reporting from Reuters and Al Jazeera, together with the law’s official title referencing 2021, confirms the claim.

What to watch next Monitor how Chinese firms respond to competing US and Chinese directives, and whether Washington issues further penalties or diplomatic protests in reaction to Beijing’s first use of its anti‑sanctions law.