China Backs Iran-US Indirect Talks, Affirms Support for Tehran’s Peaceful Nuclear Rights
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - China has voiced support for ongoing indirect talks between Iran and the United States, reaffirming Tehran's right to pursue a peaceful nuclear program.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed Beijing's position during a meeting with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araqchi, in Beijing on Wednesday.
The talks took place ahead of the third round of Iran-US nuclear negotiations and came shortly after Washington imposed additional sanctions on Iran’s energy sector.
According to a statement from China’s Foreign Ministry, Wang said Beijing firmly opposes the use of force and “illegal” sanctions as a means to address Iran’s nuclear issue.
“The Chinese side commends Iran’s promise not to develop nuclear weapons and respects Iran’s right to utilize nuclear energy peacefully,” Wang said.
He added that China is prepared to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Iran on both regional and international matters.
Araqchi, also on his part, hailed China as a friendly nation and highlighted its “very important and positive role” in previous nuclear negotiations.
He noted that both countries share a commitment to resisting the US “hegemony and bullying” on the global stage.
On the subject of indirect discussions with the United States, Araqchi said Iran remains “cautiously optimistic” due to conflicting signals from Washington.
“There are many differences. We will enter into negotiations seriously on Saturday, and if the other side is also serious, there is room for progress,” he said.
“I have repeatedly said that if the Americans’ only demand is that Iran should not have nuclear weapons, this is achievable,” Araqchi added.
“But if they have other demands or impractical and illogical requests, then we will naturally run into problems.”
Following the meeting, Araqchi reaffirmed Tehran’s strategic view of China, posting on X that Iran will continue to consider China “a reliable partner worthy of trust,” regardless of global developments.
Iranian and US officials have held two rounds of talks in Oman and Italy over the past two weeks.
The two sides are scheduled to hold expert-level technical negotiations on April 26.
