China: Beijing’s position on Iran is clear and consistent

Pars Today – A spokesperson for Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, while condemning Washington’s “unilateral and illegal sanctions” against three Chinese companies over alleged cooperation with Iran, emphasized that these “unilateral and illegal” measures will not alter Beijing’s consistent position regarding Iran.

According to Pars Today, Guo Jiakun said during Monday’s press briefing, in response to a question from Agence France-Presse regarding U.S. sanctions on Chinese companies accused of providing satellite imagery to Iran and whether the issue was related to this week’s visit of Donald Trump to China: “China firmly opposes unilateral and illegal sanctions that lack any basis in international law and are imposed without authorization from the United Nations Security Council.”

The United States has claimed that these Chinese companies were involved in military operations related to Iran by providing satellite imagery — an allegation that Beijing has rejected, describing it as part of Washington’s policy of pressure and sanctions.

The United States Department of the Treasury recently imposed sanctions on 10 individuals and companies, claiming they had assisted Iran’s armed forces in procuring weapons and usable raw materials.

Guo Jiakun added: “China has always required its companies to conduct their activities within the framework of laws and regulations, and at the same time, Beijing will firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.”

Referring to developments related to Iran, he also stressed: “China’s position on the Iran issue is clear and consistent.”

The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson further said: “The international community’s immediate priority should be comprehensive efforts to prevent the outbreak of another war and the escalation of tensions, rather than using conflicts as a pretext for malicious labeling and the smearing of other countries.”