Photo taken on April 4, 2018 shows the entrance to the Chinese Foreign Ministry in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Li He)
China said the U.S. move to end sanctions waivers on Iran's nuclear projects hampers the international non-proliferation progress.
BEIJING, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Friday that China firmly opposes the United States ending sanctions waivers on Iran's nuclear projects, including the Arak reactor conversion.
Zhao said at a daily press briefing that the U.S. move hampers the international non-proliferation progress and shared efforts to preserve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and it demonstrates its consistent pattern of unilateral and hegemonic practice.
U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo announced in a statement on May 28 Beijing time the end of sanctions waivers covering nuclear projects in Iran including the Arak reactor conversion following a final, 60-day wind-down period.
"The U.S. has chosen to stick to its maximum pressure campaign on Iran. It has not only unilaterally withdrawn from the JCPOA in violation of the UNSCR, but also ratcheted up efforts to thwart other parties' implementation of the deal," Zhao said.
He said that arrangements in this deal regarding nuclear programs reflect a balance of Irans non-proliferation obligations and rights to peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and embodies the purpose and principle of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
"Complying with and acting on these arrangements serves all parties' common interests and is a shared responsibility," Zhao said.
Noting that the Arak reactor conversion is an important part of the JCPOA and a joint project of parties to the agreement, Zhao said that China is ready to work with other parties to continue upholding the deal and safeguarding its own legitimate rights and interests. ■