The claim
“China banned recognising, enforcing or complying with US sanctions on five Chinese companies accused of Iranian oil dealings, under a Ministry of Commerce notice of 4 May 2026.”
MOFCOM's first use of its 2021 Blocking Rules.
Our verdict
Mostly True
MOFCOM issued the prohibition order on Saturday 2 May 2026, not 4 May; the rest is accurate.
What we found
The order says the US sanctions on Hengli and four other refiners 'shall not be recognized, enforced, or complied with'. It was MOFCOM's first use of its blocking statute. Reports dated 4 May described it, but it was issued on 2 May.
The evidence
2 of 2 sources support the claim; none contradict it.
How we checked
We checked the claim against Al Jazeera, China Global South Project. We reviewed 2 relevant sources.
Sources
- [1]Al Jazeera · China blocks US sanctions against five 'teapot' refineries
- [2]China Global South Project · China orders firms to defy U.S. sanctions, escalating clash over Iranian oil trade
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