China pushes for end to Iran sanctions amid trilateral talks
China has called for the removal of "illegal unilateral sanctions" imposed on Iran due to its nuclear programme, as stated by the Chinese foreign ministry on Friday following trilateral talks in Beijing. These discussions included high-ranking representatives from the foreign ministries of China, Russia, and Iran.
In a statement released after the meeting, which involved the deputy foreign ministers of Russia and Iran—Sergey Ryabkov and Kazem Gharibabadi—the head of Chinese diplomacy, Wang Yi, revealed that China had presented a five-point proposal regarding a "balanced and sustainable resolution to the Iranian nuclear issue."
China calls for lifting sanctions
"Now the situation has reached a critical juncture again. We must buy time for peace, resolve disputes through political and diplomatic means, and oppose the use of force and illegal sanctions," the statement reads.
The Chinese authorities urged the Iranian government to "continue honouring its commitment to not developing nuclear weapons" and called on other countries to show "full respect" for Iran's right to "peaceful uses of nuclear energy as a State Party to the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons".
Under the nuclear agreement, concluded in 2015 between Iran and the USA, Russia, China, the UK, France, and Germany, Tehran agreed to limit its nuclear programme in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions. In 2018, then-US President Donald Trump withdrew from the agreement and reinstated sanctions. Iran also strayed from the terms of the agreement a year later, enriching increasing amounts of uranium beyond the designated limit of 3.67 per cent.
The Chinese foreign ministry's proposal included an appeal to the USA for "political sincerity" and a return to negotiations. It simultaneously called for "dialogue and negotiation" while opposing "pressing for intervention by the U.N. Security Council" and resume sanctions.
"Only by maintaining a spirit of mutual respect will we be able to find common ground that considers the legitimate concerns of all parties and achieve a solution that meets the expectations of the international community," Wang emphasised.
Building an economic alliance
Sanctions imposed by the West are prompting Russia, Iran, and China to strengthen economic and political cooperation.
China has promised Russia a "no limits" partnership and has signed a 25-year, $400 billion "strategic agreement" with Iran.
All three countries are also joining the same international groups, such as BRICS. Their trade exchange is increasing, and plans for free trade zones, independent payment systems, and trade routes bypassing locations controlled by the West are being developed.
Meanwhile, Iran and Russia have intensified military and political cooperation since the onset of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
