China said on Friday that it would take necessary measures to protect the legitimate rights of Chinese enterprises and citizens in response to US sanctions related to Iran’s oil trade that targeted a Chinese refinery.

Axar.az informs, citing Reuters, China urges the United States to stop resorting to sanctions, Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for the foreign ministry, told a regular press briefing, adding that China will protect its energy security.

The sanctions were imposed on about 100 individuals, entities and vessels, including a Chinese independent refinery and terminal, that helped Iran’s oil and petrochemicals trade.