Wang Yi: China backs dialogue over Iranian nuclear issue

China supports dialogue between Iran and all relevant parties, including the United States, to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue and respects Iran's rights to peacefully use nuclear energy, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday during talks with Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in Beijing.

Such a practice will help uphold the international non-proliferation regime and promote regional peace and stability, he added.

Their meeting came ahead of a third round of nuclear talks between Teheran and Washington due on Saturday in Oman.

During talks, Wang emphasized that China has always advocated the political and diplomatic solution of the Iranian nuclear issue and opposed the arbitrary use of force and illegal unilateral sanctions.

China also appreciates Iran's commitment not to develop nuclear weapons and supports the nation to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests through negotiation, Wang added.

Iran signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with six world powers-Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia, and the US-in 2015. Under the pact, Teheran agreed to curb its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.

However, Washington unilaterally withdrew from the accord in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran.

In response, Araghchi commended China's important and positive role in advancing a political and diplomatic settlement to the Iranian nuclear issue and expressed Iran's willingness to maintain close communication and coordination with China on the matter.

On bilateral ties, Wang described Iran as China's comprehensive strategic partner in the Middle East, saying that developing bilateral relations is a shared strategic choice for both nations.

Noting the world today is rife with chaos, Wang said the US has recklessly imposed tariffs, which has lost credibility and isolated itself from the international community.

"More than ever, the international community needs to unite in upholding multilateralism and safeguarding the basic norms governing international relations," Wang said.

He expressed China's readiness to consolidate friendly cooperation across various fields, deepen coordination on international and regional affairs, as well as enhance the role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS, so as to safeguard common interests and contribute to regional and global peace and stability.

Araghchi told Wang that Iran attaches great importance to developing its ties with China and supports it in safeguarding its core interests.

Highlighting bilateral relationship is currently at its best in history, he said the solid foundation of the relationship will not be affected by other elements.

Confronting with US' reckless tariffs and bullying practices, Iran will continue to firmly support China to jointly oppose unilateralism and hegemonism, and uphold multilateralism, Araghchi said.

He expressed Iran's support for China in assuming the rotating presidency of the SCO, adding that Teheran is willing to strengthen high-level exchanges and expand mutually beneficial cooperation with Beijing to advance the in-depth development of their ties.

Both sides also exchanged views on regional issues including the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and the situation in Syria, Yemen, and the Red Sea.