Democracy is an illusion! It’s become a political system fostered by the élite, for the élite, in order to fool the people that they have a stake in the system. In actual fact, they have virtually none. The whole political system in the modern era, despite having noble beginnings, is now used to benefit the few at the expense of the many. – Mark Alexander, June 29, 2018
August 25, 2026
China Responds to US Sanctions: "Illegal" Threat over Iran Trade Branded ‘Operation Economic Outcast’
Aug 25, 2026 | China has officially slammed US threats of secondary sanctions over its trade with Iran, calling the measures illegal and vowing to take "all necessary measures" to defend its national interests. As Beijing continues to purchase an estimated 80% of Iran’s oil exports, this standoff puts the Trump administration's "Operation Economic Outcast" to the ultimate test. While US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced sanctions on 60 individuals, entities, and vessels tied to Iranian trade, Chinese financial institutions were noticeably absent from the list. When asked why the White House stopped short of targeting Beijing directly, Bessent responded: "Why would I want to blow up the global financial system?"