Tuesday 21 March 2017 - 12:46
Story Code : 255211
Chinese PM affirms support for Iran deal to Israeli counterpart Netanyahu
BEIJIN (Sputnik) Netanyahu is currently leading a large business delegation tothe Chinese capital aiming topromote economic ties and technological cooperation. The Israeli leader previously stated he would also liketo discuss urgent global issues, including the Middle East.
"The sides also discussed the Iranian issue. China's position onthe matter is very clear. We think that it is necessary toobserve the comprehensive nuclear agreement reached withIran, and that it is necessary touphold the international non-proliferation regime," Deng told reporters aftera meeting betweenprime ministers ofChina and Israel.
China also considers the Joint Comprehensive Plan ofAction (JCPOA) betweenIran and the P5+1 group ofcountries tobe a guarantee ofpeace and stability inthe region, the diplomat added.
China's support forthe Iran deal comes amidharsher rhetoric fromthe new US administration. In February, US President Donald Trump said duringhis first meeting withNetanyahu that he was planning fresh anti-Iran measures asthe country posed a threat toIsraeli and US security. Trump had previously criticized the JCPOA asa bad deal, while Iran responded stating it could not be renegotiated and affirmed its commitment topeaceful nuclear energy. Trump's administration has already tightened sanctions againstIran overthe country's ballistic missile launches.
On July 14, 2015, Iran and the P5+1 group ofcountries, comprising Russia, China, the United Kingdom, the United States, France and Germany, signed the JCPOA toensure the peaceful nature ofIrans nuclear program. Under this agreement, Iran stated that it would not further seek todevelop or acquire nuclear weapons inexchange forthe gradual lifting ofinternational sanctions.
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