China urges ceasefire and dialogue on Iran nuclear issue at UN

China's envoy to the United Nations on Tuesday condemned the recent military strikes by Israel and the United States on Iranian nuclear facilities, calling them a "serious violation of international law and an infringement on Iran's sovereignty".

Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the UN, warned that attacking nuclear facilities under the safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency "sets a dangerous precedent and poses a grave threat to the international non-proliferation regime".

"These actions have also undermined diplomatic efforts to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue and created significant uncertainty in the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2231. China is deeply concerned and seriously worried about this development," said Fu.

Fu said China has noted that some members of the Security Council continue to "single out Iran for alleged non-proliferation violations, while attempting to justify the military actions of Israel and the United States".

"China urges these countries to face the following basic facts: It was the United States that triggered the current Iranian nuclear crisis," said the ambassador.

Fu said that in 2018, the US "unilaterally withdrew" from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, "reinstated and continuously escalated unilateral sanctions against Iran, and imposed maximum pressure measures that prevented Iran from enjoying the economic benefits promised under the agreement, thereby forcing it to reduce its compliance".

He noted that the US further "undermined its credibility" by launching military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, "derailing its own negotiation process and heightening regional tensions", said Fu.

"Iran's sincerity in resolving the nuclear issue should be duly recognized," said Fu, adding that Iran continues to fulfill its non-proliferation obligations and implements its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement.

"Iran has repeatedly stressed that it does not seek to develop nuclear weapons and has engaged in multiple rounds of professional and pragmatic negotiations with the US in good faith, never abandoning diplomatic efforts," he continued.

He said some countries have "selectively cited" IAEA reports while disregarding Iran's cooperation with the agency. He warned that actions have "undermined the atmosphere for dialogue and intensified confrontation. The countries concerned should seriously reflect on the harmful consequences of these irresponsible actions," said Fu.

"China believes that diplomatic efforts to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue have not been exhausted and that a peaceful resolution remains possible. All parties should draw lessons from the current situation, resume dialogue on the basis of equality, and work together to bring the Iranian nuclear issue back onto the track of political resolution," said Fu.

Fu stressed that "an immediate ceasefire and cessation of hostilities is imperative". "The use of force is not a viable solution to international disputes, nor can it resolve the Iranian nuclear issue," said Fu, noting recent developments on the ground and called for a genuine and effective ceasefire.

"Political settlement remains the only viable path," he said, stressing the importance of balancing non-proliferation goals with the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

"Iran should continue to abide by its commitment not to develop nuclear weapons," said Fu. "All parties should fully respect Iran's right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy as a State Party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. All parties should resolve their respective legitimate concerns through equal-footed dialogue and consultation," he continued.

Fu reiterated that launching dialogue and negotiations is the fundamental solution. "China supports all efforts aimed at restarting the nuclear talks and believes this is also the position of the vast majority of Security Council members," he said.

Fu urged relevant countries to abandon the practice of threatening to trigger the "snapback" mechanism of sanctions, warning that doing so would only "heighten tensions and further undermine diplomatic efforts".

Fu emphasized that a proper resolution to the Iranian nuclear issue is essential to the credibility and effectiveness of the global non-proliferation regime, and is vital to peace and stability in the Middle East.

"The current regional situation stands at a critical and sensitive juncture. China urges all parties to enhance their sense of urgency and demonstrate a sense of responsibility, to promote de-escalation and cooling of the situation as soon as possible, and to launch the process of resuming negotiations at an early date," he said.

shiguang@chinadailyusa.com