Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif Khonsari will arrive in Beijing next week. China is an important economic partner and participant in the Iran nuclear deal.
What could be China’s role in the JCPOA after the US withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action? What will be the potential impact of US sanctions on Iran for China?
China may encourage both sides to fulfill obligations under the deal. Assuming Iran continues to comply with provisions of JCPAO, China may choose to comply with additional USA sanctions or to continue to do business with Iran, in violation of USA sanctions. If China feels Iran has violated its obligations, China may side with USA, though in current time, that seems not likely.
If China continues to do business with Iran, Chinese companies will be at risk of additional fines and penalties such as ZTE for violation of USA sanctions.