China rejects sanctions, use of force against Iran


Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hong Lei (file photo)

Thu Oct 25, 2012 1:45PM GMT

China has rejected sanctions and the use of force against Iran over its nuclear energy program, warning that such coercive measures could have a negative impact on regional and global peace and stability.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hong Lei made the remarks at a regular press briefing on Thursday.

He added that the sanctions and use of force could not resolve the existing issue, calling for a peaceful settlement of the issue through dialogue and negotiations.


The Chinese official also expressed hope that a new round of talks between Iran and the P5+1 group would resume at an early date.

Iran and the P5+1 group comprising Britain, China, France, Russia, the US and Germany have held several rounds of talks over the Iranian nuclear energy issue.

Undersecretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Baqeri said on October 22 that the six major world powers were planning to arrange a new round of talks with the Islamic Republic.

Baqeri noted that Helga Schmid, deputy to the EU Foreign Policy chief Catherine Ashton, who represents the P5+1, had called him earlier on the day to arrange for the talks.

The United States, Israel and some of their allies have repeatedly accused Iran of pursuing non-civilian objectives in its nuclear energy program.

Under the false allegation, Washington and the European Union have imposed unilateral illegal sanctions against the Islamic Republic.

Iran refutes the allegations and argues that as a signatory to Non-Proliferation Treaty and a member of International Atomic Energy Agency, it is entitled to develop and acquire nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.

AR/SS/IS

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