A study by Professor Bian Yongmin at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing suggests that China could sanction US companies if the US proceeds with seabed mining in violation of international law. The proposed countermeasures, including sanctions, would be a potential testing ground for the shift in global economic power from the US to China and other countries. According to the study, published in the June issue of the Pacific Journal, China is faced with a difficult decision between defending the multilateral system and protecting its own access to critical minerals. The expert notes that if the US continues to ignore international law, it would be challenging for China to restrain them.
Written by the local model on 2026-09-08,
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China may consider sanctioning the US if it proceeds with unauthorized seabed mining, according to a study by Bian Yongmin, a professor at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing. The research suggests that this move could be part of a coordinated effort by countries like China to push back against US economic policies. For decades, the US has used sanctions and financial restrictions as key tools in its foreign policy. However, as other nations gain more economic and technological power, they may begin to use similar measures to counter US actions. The issue is complex for China, as it must balance defending international law with protecting its own access to critical minerals. If the US ignores international law, it would be difficult to stop them from proceeding with seabed mining, according to an unnamed Beijing-based expert familiar with the proposal.
Written for “China Sanctions Threat Over Mining” on 2026-09-08,
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Leaning score -0.35 for article 7010 (medium confidence, 1 verified quote) · logged 2026-09-08
Could China sanction US for illegal international seabed mining?
uncertain
China → sanction → mining
A study says yes
But issue is said to create tension for Beijing between defending the multilateral system and protecting its own access to critical minerals
For decades, the United States has used economic and financial restrictions as major foreign policy tools.
asserted
States → say → tools
But as China and other countries gain greater economic and technological strength, they are also acquiring more ways to push back against US actions, with deep-sea mining possibly becoming a testing ground for that shift.
uncertain
mining → gain → shift
China could join other countries in taking coordinated countermeasures, including sanctions against companies, if the US proceeds with seabed mining in violation of international law, according to Bian Yongmin, a professor of international law at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing.
uncertain
US → join → Beijing
“[However,] if the United States insists on ignoring international law, it would indeed be difficult to restrain them,” said a Beijing-based international law expert familiar with the proposal who asked not to be named, citing the sensitivity of the matter.
asserted
who → insist → matter
Bian’s analysis was published in the June issue of the peer-reviewed China-based Pacific Journal.
asserted
analysis → publish → Journal
