Chinese commerce ministry blocks US sanctions against five refineries

China issued an injunction to counter U.S. sanctions targeting five Chinese refineries accused of purchasing Iranian oil. The ministry named Hengli Petrochemical (Dalian), as well as the so-called ‘teapot’ refineries Shandong Jincheng Petrochemical Group, Hebei Xinhai Chemical Group, Shouguang Luqing Petrochemical and Shandong Shengxing Chemical. This action highlights the ongoing energy security competition between the US and China.