China ‘determined to’ support Iran’s sovereignty, territorial integrity: Envoy
Chinese ambassador to Tehran Chang Hua on Wednesday said Beijing considers ties with Iran “strategic” and “decisively” supports and respects Iran’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“China decisively supports Iran against foreign intervention and for preserving its national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national dignity,” the ambassador said on Wednesday during an event in southeastern Iran.
He made the remarks at the inauguration ceremony of the Chinese consulate in Bandar Abbas, Iran's southern Hormozgan province.
China sees ties with Iran from a strategic point of view, he said, reaffirming Beijing’s determination to expand its strategic partnership with Iran based on agreements between leaders of the two countries as well as the 25-year comprehensive cooperation agreement between China and Iran.
The remarks came days after a joint statement by China and states of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (PGCC) on Friday made controversial claims about three Iranian islands in the Persian Gulf.
The statement affirmed support for efforts, including the initiative and endeavors of the United Arab Emirates, to reach a "peaceful solution to the issue of the three islands through bilateral negotiations in accordance with the rule of international law and to resolve this issue in accordance with international legitimacy".
Tehran has on numerous occasions categorically rejected claims made by other Persian Gulf countries to the three Iranian islands, saying that they definitely belong to Iran and will remain sovereign Iranian territories forever.
MG
