China Says Concerned About Outcome of US Anti-Iran Policy

EghtesadOnline: China is concerned about heightened tensions related to Iran's nuclear activities, as a result of the United States' sweeping sanctions on Tehran.

News ID: ۷۴۷۲۷۶

08 May 2019

"China firmly opposes the unilateral sanctions and so-called long-arm jurisdiction that the United States imposes on Iran and regrets that such practices have escalated tensions on the Iranian nuclear issue," Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said during a press conference on Monday, the website of China's Foreign Ministry reported.

The US pulled out of Iran's 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, last year and reimposed harsh sanctions on Tehran.

It has been intensifying its pressure ever since, restricting Iran's banking relations and oil exports, as well as tightening waivers linked to Iran's nuclear projects in its latest move, Financial Tribune reported.

Asked about China's view on the prospect of JCPOA and the US "maximum pressure" policy, Geng stressed that the deal should be implemented fully and effectively, as it is vital for the international non-proliferation regime and Middle East peace and stability.

"The arrangements regarding nuclear projects in the JCPOA reflect a balance of Iran's obligation on nuclear non-proliferation and its right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, which serves the interests of all parties, including the US," he said.

He added that normal cooperation between various parties and Iran under the framework of international law is completely legitimate, reasonable and lawful, and must be respected and protected.

Applauding Iran's faithful implementation of JCPOA so far, he said China "will continue to work with all parties to uphold and implement the JCPOA, safeguard the international non-proliferation regime, peace and stability in the Middle East and the lawful and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies".