Beijing has pushed back suggestions that Washington might sanction Chinese banks over their commercial links with Tehran, casting fresh uncertainty over next month’s summit.
The Chinese foreign ministry stressed on Friday that dialogue and negotiation were the “only viable way out” regarding Iran.
“China’s position opposing illegal unilateral sanctions is consistent and clear,” ministry spokesman Lin Jian said.
The comments followed US President Donald Trump’s hint on Thursday that such sanctions could be on the table for Chinese lenders – something that the US has so far avoided.
Asked why the US had not sanctioned Chinese banks for their dealings with Iranian entities, Trump said: “Who said I’m not?”
“Well, I don’t have to announce everything, do I?”