China Imports Highest Rate Of Crude From Iran In May

Beijing, June 23, IRNA – China's oil imports from Iran this year reached its highest level in May 2012. According to an IRNA report, China, which is the world's second highest crude oil consumer, imported 2,220,000 tons of crude from Iran. China's Customs Department, which issued the report, said that the figure shows an increase of 35 percent as compared to its previous month, reaching 524,000 barrels per day. Chinese media believe that the growth in the country's oil imports from Iran indicates that Beijing has not given in to the US pressures. They said the US has been indulging in unrewarding attempts against China but will ultimately have to yield to Beijing's demands. Meanwhile, Chinese foreign minister said in a press conference last week that oil imports from Iran were both legal and legitimate, adding that no country had the right to intervene in his country's trade affairs./end