The blocking statute invoked by MOFCOM requires other companies conducting commercial activities in the country to disregard the sanctions imposed on five domestic refiners linked to Iranian oil transactions, because they constitute an improper extraterritorial application of foreign laws and measures.
Key Takeaways:
On May 2, China’s MOFCOM invoked the Blocking Statute against U.S. OFAC sanctions on 5 local oil refiners. SMU’s Henry Gao notes this 1st use of the statute since 2021 forces global companies to pick between markets. Next, Chinese firms can sue for losses from these sanctions, as Beijing might prepare countermeasures. China’s Government Invokes Blocking Statute On Five Local Oil RefinersChina has moved to defend its commercial interests in the current trade battle it is waging against the U.S., and the extent of its sanctions against Chinese entities.
On May 2, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) issued a resolution invoking a series of documents collectively referred to as the Blocking Statute to counter the unilateral sanctions imposed by the U.S. government on five local oil refiners.
Nonetheless, after conducting an assessment, MOFCOM determined that these sanctions constitute “an improper extraterritorial application of foreign laws and measures.”
The institution called to ignore these designations “to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens.”
MOFCOM stated that “no entity or individual shall recognize, execute, or comply with the sanctions measures.” According to analysts, this is the first time that such a statute has been invoked since 20201, when it was first issued.
Under this statute, companies and firms in China can sue for compensation if they have suffered losses due to these sanctions. Similarly, the Chinese government can also issue countermeasures against these foreign sanctions.
