China endorses Iran’s discussions regarding its nuclear program with the United States and stands against the use of force and ‘illegal’ unilateral sanctions as a means to address the situation, stated Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a meeting with Iran’s foreign minister on Wednesday. Beijing is prepared to enhance collaboration with Tehran on both international and regional matters, Wang conveyed to Iran’s Abbas Araqchi during their discussions in the Chinese capital, as per a ministry announcement. ‘The Chinese side appreciates Iran’s commitment to refrain from developing nuclear weapons and acknowledges Iran’s right to peacefully utilize nuclear energy,’ Wang remarked.
This meeting precedes further U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations scheduled for this Saturday and follows recent sanctions imposed by Washington on certain Chinese refiners for purchasing Iranian oil. The Iranian foreign ministry reported on Wednesday that Araqchi updated his Chinese counterpart on the current status of the ‘indirect talks between Iran and the US’ and expressed gratitude towards China for its constructive position on Iran’s nuclear program and the removal of sanctions. U.S. President Donald Trump has aimed to implement a ‘maximum pressure’ strategy on Tehran, which includes efforts to reduce Iranian oil exports to zero.
In 2015, Iran consented to limit its nuclear program in return for the lifting of international sanctions through an agreement with the U.S., Russia, China, Britain, France, and Germany. However, in 2018, Trump withdrew from the agreement after one year in office.
Tehran and Washington resumed talks earlier this month to establish restrictions on Tehran’s nuclear program. China, the largest importer of Iranian oil, has supported Tehran amid increasing U.S. pressure. The U.S. has imposed sanctions on two small independent ‘teapot’ refiners in China for acquiring Iranian crude.
Last month, Chinese imports of Iranian oil reached a record high as buyers prepared for potential further U.S. sanctions that could restrict supplies. Reports indicate that China accounts for approximately 90% of Iran’s oil exports. The two nations have developed a trading system primarily utilizing the Chinese yuan and a network of intermediaries, thereby circumventing the dollar and minimizing exposure to U.S. regulatory oversight.
During Wednesday’s meeting, Wang and Araqchi also addressed U.S. tariffs. Wang remarked, ‘The U.S.’s misuse of tariffs has significantly diminished its standing and alienated it from the global community.’ He emphasized the necessity for the international community to unite in defense of multilateralism and to uphold the fundamental principles governing international relations.
