China’s Wang Yi urges new international deal on Iran after US, Israeli attacks

China’s top diplomat Wang Yi has called for a “new international agreement” on Iran while accusing the United States and Israel of destabilising the Middle East through military actions on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Speaking at a joint press conference with his French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot in Paris on Friday, Wang also voiced deep concerns about escalating tensions in the region and warned of the looming spectre of a “nuclear disaster”.

His remarks came as Beijing, a key ally of an increasingly isolated Tehran, intensified its criticism of the US and Israel following last month’s pre-emptive strikes on Iranian personnel and nuclear facilities. China has also continued to style itself as a responsible power and key mediator.

Wang, currently on a European tour, reaffirmed that China valued Tehran’s repeated pledges not to develop nuclear weapons, while also respecting Iran’s right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

“On this basis, relevant parties should accelerate negotiations towards a new international agreement to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue, and place Iran’s nuclear activities fully under the strict supervision and safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA),” he said without further elaboration, according to China’s foreign ministry.

“The road to peace lies beneath our feet, and history will judge each party’s sincerity.”

South China Morning Post