US must end sanctions, maximum pressure on Iran: China

China says the US strategy of exerting "maximum pressure" on Iran is the root cause of the ongoing tensions over Tehran’s nuclear program, urging Washington to end its wrong practices.

"We believe that the maximum pressure by the US is the root cause of the current Iranian nuclear tension. The US should abandon wrong practices, such as unilateral sanctions and maximum pressure on Iran," Hua Chunying, spokesperson of Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry, told reporters in Beijing on Monday.

Elsewhere in her presser, the Chinese Foreign Ministry's spokeswoman called on all parties to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) to remain "committed to the full and effective implementation of the comprehensive agreement."

She expressed hope that the relevant parties would hold meetings to push the Iranian nuclear situation to ease.

"China will continue to make joint efforts with all sides concerned to this end," Hua pointed out.

SS