On December 16, 2021, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. The two sides mainly exchanged views on the Iranian nuclear issue.
Abdollahian briefed Wang Yi on the latest progress of the restart of the negotiations on resuming compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in Vienna and highly appreciated China’s constructive role in advancing the negotiations. Abdollahian said that the Iranian side took part in the negotiations in good faith and has taken a series of positive measures. Iran will continue to participate in the negotiations in a flexible and pragmatic spirit and maintain dialogue and cooperation with each party, but will not accept threats and bullying practice under any circumstances. The Iranian side believes that if the United States and the EU adopt the same positive attitude, the negotiations on resuming compliance with the JCPOA can continue and an agreement will finally be reached. Iran attaches importance to developing relations with China and is ready to make joint efforts with China to promote new progress in bilateral cooperation in all areas.
Abdollahian said, the nuclear submarine cooperation among the United States, the UK and Australia (AUKUS) seriously undermines the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and incites military confrontation. If countries in East Asia and the Middle East follow suit and nuclear proliferation occurs, the AUKUS should be held responsible.
Wang Yi said, the Iranian nuclear situation is at a critical crossroads. The Chinese side welcomes the restart of the negotiations on resuming compliance with the JCPOA in Vienna, and appreciates Iran’s assent to moving forward on the basis of previous negotiations. China welcomes the consensus reached between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency on monitoring nuclear facilities, and expects Iran to continue to push forward the negotiations on resuming compliance with the JCPOA in a serious manner. China will unswervingly uphold the political and diplomatic settlement process of the Iranian nuclear issue and push for early results of the negotiations. China supports Iran’s legitimate and reasonable proposition and opposes the wrong practice of willfully exerting pressure. China also supports Iran in enhancing mutual understanding and trust with regional countries and safeguarding regional peace and stability. China and Iran are comprehensive strategic partners. No matter how the international and regional situation changes, the Chinese side will firmly develop friendly relations with Iran.
Wang Yi said, the AUKUS nuclear submarine cooperation seriously impacts the NPT regime and will doubtlessly cause risks of nuclear proliferation, incite arms race and undermine regional peace and stability. China stands ready to work with other countries to oppose double standards on the nuclear issue and jointly uphold the solemnity and authority of the international nuclear non-proliferation system.
