Beijing ‘lodges representations’ with US over end to Iran sanction waivers – ministry

China’s Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday it has lodged representations with the US over Washington’s plan to end waivers for Iranian oil imports, Reuters reports. “The decision from the US will contribute to volatility in the Middle East and in the international energy market,” according to ministry spokesman Geng Shuang. The US has announced that all Tehran sanction waivers will end by May, sending crude oil prices higher and pressuring importers to stop buying from Iran. China is Iran’s largest crude oil customer, with total imports last year of 29.27 million tons, roughly 6 percent of Beijing’s total oil imports, customs data shows.