China called on the United States to correct its wrong policy on Iran and lift the sanctions it reimposed after unilaterally exiting the 2015 nuclear deal.
“As the culprit for the current Iranian nuclear crisis, the US should correct its wrong Iran policy and lift all relevant sanctions on Iran as well as long-arm jurisdiction on third parties,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said in a regular press briefing on Monday.
On this basis, he added, Iran should also resume full compliance with the deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which removed international sanctions on Tehran in return for curbs on its nuclear program.
Iran has been exceeding JCPOA limits in response to the US unilateral exit and reimposition of tough sanctions in 2018.
Indirect negotiations started in Vienna, Austria, in April to work out how both sides can return to their commitments.
Iran demands the verifiable removal of all sanctions at once before reversing its nuclear steps.
After six rounds, the process was interrupted in June due to the change of government in Iran, before the new administration appointed a delegation to carry on with the task in late November.
Beijing welcomes the agreement reached between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency on monitoring nuclear facilities, according to the diplomat
The new team put forward two proposals, including reforms to previous drafts, which raised criticism by western sides who accused Iran of making maximalist demands.
European and American diplomats offered pessimistic assessments of the recent negotiations, although admitting eventually that the talks had made some progress before concluding the seventh round on Friday.
“With the concerted efforts of all sides, the seventh round of negotiations on the resumption of compliance with the JCPOA has made positive progress,” Zhao said.
All parties agreed to advance negotiations on the basis of previous talks, had an in-depth exchange of views on issues relating to lifting sanctions, and came up with new document drafts on issues in the nuclear sector, according to the Chinese diplomat.
It was also decided that the next round of talks will be held before the end of this year, he added.
Critical Crossroads
Zhao said the Iranian nuclear issue is now at a critical crossroads, hoping all sides would adhere to the correct direction of dialogue and consultation and work for early results.
He also said Beijing welcomes the agreement reached between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency on monitoring nuclear facilities.
Iran has recently allowed the IAEA to replace one of its cameras that were lost in a reported sabotage attack at a site in Karaj.
Tehran insisted that the replacement should take place after security investigations. The issue could have disrupted the course of Vienna talks if not resolved.
The Chinese diplomat said Beijing maintains close communication and coordination with the US, Iran and other sides and has made active efforts to advance the negotiation.
“We will firmly uphold the political and diplomatic settlement process, continue to constructively participate in follow-up talks, and work with all sides for early results. In the meantime, we will firmly defend our own legitimate rights and interests,” he said.
