China for Peaceful Solution to Iran’s Nuclear Activities

A day after a statement by the US that Beijing was ready for discussion on new sanctions against Iran, China has made it clear that it will continue to seek a peaceful resolution to the dispute involving Tehran’s nuclear activities, reported the Voice of America.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said that China will continually work with all parties on the issue, said report.

The remarks came as Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalil arrived in Beijing for talks on Iran’s nuclear program.

Yesterday, US ambassador to the UN Susan Rice had said that China agreed to start serious negotiations for getting the whole UN Security Council on board for tough new sanctions on Iran.

Terming the development as progress, Rice said that negotiations were yet to start in earnest.

However, opposing new sanctions, China has instead called for greater dialogue with Iran.

It may be mentioned that the two countries are close trade partners, with China importing Iranian energy resources.

The new sanctions could include moves against members of Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guards, as well as measures against Iran’s insurance and shipping sectors.