Beijing: China on Thursday called for all relevant parties to "exercise restraint" concerning the Iranian nuclear issue, just a day before a tripartite meeting involving Beijing, Moscow, and Tehran is set to take place in Beijing.
According to Anadolu Agency, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated at a news conference that, "Under current circumstances, we believe that relevant parties need to remain calm, exercise restraint, and prevent the situation surrounding the Iranian nuclear issue from escalating or even descending to confrontation and conflict." Mao emphasized Beijing's aspiration for all parties involved to foster trust and transform the momentum of resuming dialogue into a tangible reality.
Mao highlighted China's role as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a participant in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), expressing the country's wish for "an appropriate resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue through political and diplomatic means, and efforts of safeguarding the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East."
The upcoming meeting in Beijing will see China hosting discussions with Russia and Iran on the Iran nuclear issue on Friday. The meeting will be attended by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov Sergey Alexeevich, and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi. The three officials are expected to exchange views on the Iranian nuclear issue and other matters of mutual interest.
The spokesperson described the meeting as "China's latest diplomatic effort with the aim of enhancing communication and coordination and creating conditions for resuming dialogue and negotiation at an early date." This diplomatic initiative follows remarks by Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who stated last week that Tehran would not be coerced into negotiations, following US President Donald Trump's claim of sending a letter urging Iran to engage in talks concerning a new nuclear deal.