China Backs Iran's Nuclear Talks with US, Opposes 'Illegal' Sanctions

 China Backs Iran's Nuclear Talks with US, Opposes 'Illegal' Sanctions

China has expressed its support for Iran's ongoing discussions regarding its nuclear program with the United States, while opposing the use of force and "illegal" unilateral sanctions as means to address the issue. This statement was made by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during talks with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in Beijing on Wednesday.

Wang reinforced China's commitment to enhance coordination and cooperation with Tehran on various international and regional matters. He commended Iran's pledge not to develop nuclear weapons and acknowledged Iran's right to peacefully utilize nuclear energy.

The meeting precedes further U.S.-Iran nuclear talks scheduled for Saturday and comes amid recent U.S. sanctions targeting some Chinese refiners for purchasing Iranian oil. The Iranian foreign ministry indicated that Araqchi briefed Wang on the current status of the indirect negotiations between Iran and the U.S., expressing gratitude for China's supportive stance on Iran's nuclear program and the removal of sanctions.

See also:President Trump Signals Sharp Reduction in Tariffs on Chinese Imports Amid Hopes for Future U.S.-China Trade Talks.

U.S. President Donald Trump has been pursuing a "maximum pressure" campaign aimed at reducing Iranian oil exports to zero. In 2015, Iran reached an agreement to limit its nuclear program in exchange for the easing of international sanctions in a deal that included the U.S., Russia, China, Britain, France, and Germany. However, Trump withdrew from the agreement in 2018, leading to renewed tensions.

Negotiations between Tehran and Washington resumed earlier this month, with the focus on imposing restrictions on Iran's nuclear capabilities. As the largest buyer of Iranian oil, China has continued to support Tehran amid increasing U.S. pressure. Recently, the U.S. has sanctioned two small independent Chinese refiners, known as "teapot" refiners, over Iranian crude purchases.

Chinese imports of Iranian oil have recently surged to an all-time high, as buyers have ramped up purchases in anticipation of potential future U.S. sanctions that could disrupt supplies. Reports indicate that China accounts for approximately 90% of Iran's oil exports, facilitated by a trading system that primarily utilizes Chinese yuan, thus minimizing exposure to the U.S. dollar and U.S. regulatory frameworks.

During the meeting, Wang and Araqchi also addressed the issue of U.S. tariffs. Wang criticized the U.S. for what he described as the "abuse of tariffs," asserting that such actions have diminished the U.S.'s standing and isolated it from the international community. He emphasized the necessity for the global community to unite in defending multilateralism and upholding fundamental norms governing international relations.