China 'respects' Iran’s right to peaceful use of nuclear power
Foreign Ministry says Beijing committed to seeking a political and diplomatic solution to nuclear issue
ISTANBUL
China on Friday said that Beijing "respects" Iran's right to peaceful use of nuclear power.
"We attach importance to Iran’s commitment of not developing nuclear weapons, respect Iran’s right to peaceful use of nuclear power, and oppose any illicit unilateral sanctions," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian at a news conference.
The remarks came before Iranian and European officials' meeting on Friday in Istanbul, where the parties discussed the status of Iran’s nuclear program and ways to prevent further escalation.
Beijing will keep communicating and coordinating with relevant parties, said Lin, adding that they will "play a constructive role in bringing about a solution that accommodates the legitimate concerns of all parties, uphold the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, and promote peace and stability in the Middle East."
"China is committed to seeking a political and diplomatic resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue," Lin said.
Following a meeting between deputy foreign ministers of Iran, the UK, France, and Germany at the Iranian Consulate General in the Turkish metropolis Istanbul, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi confirmed that discussions centered around Iran-US negotiations.
“We exchanged views and discussed the latest state of play on nuclear and sanctions lifting indirect negotiations,” said Gharibabadi in a statement on X.
