US should make political decisions, actively respond to Iran’s legitimate concerns: China

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian says the United States should make political decisions as soon as possible and actively respond to the legitimate concerns of the Iranian side if it wants a revival of the 2015 Iran deal through the Vienna negotiations.

According to Press TV, speaking at a press briefing in the Chinese capital city of Beijing on Friday, Zhao said negotiations on reviving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) – as the deal is called – have entered the final stage, with all parties having reached a consensus on most of the issues while only a few remain to be resolved.

He said China believes that there is no better alternative to the JCPOA.

“At this final phase, it is ever more important that all parties boost confidence, step up diplomatic efforts, facilitate a smooth conclusion of the negotiations and avoid letting previous efforts come to naught,” the Chinese diplomat said.

“As the culprit of the Iranian nuclear crisis, the US should make political decisions as soon as possible and actively respond to the legitimate concerns of the Iranian side,” he added.

Zhao also said that China will continue to “participate in the negotiations constructively, help bring the JCPOA back to the normal track at an early date, uphold the international non-proliferation system and promote peace and stability in West Asia.”

The remarks came days after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he was not “overly optimistic” at the prospects of concluding the Vienna talks.

SS