China thanks you, Sir, for convening today’s meeting. I also thank Under-Secretary-General Feltman, Ambassador Cardi and Ambassador Vale de Almeida for their briefings, and I commend the parties for the work they have done. The implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) during the first year has been steady in general, with its positive effects emerging and increasing gradually. The conclusion of the JCPOA represents a firm step towards a political settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue. It did not come easily. Now it is imperative to continue to promote follow-up implementation. In order to promote the steady and long-term progress of the JCPOA, China would therefore propose the following:

First, the important significance of JCPOA implementation must be fully understood. The JCPOA is a successful example of addressing international and regional hotspot issues through political and diplomatic means. It means a lot in terms of strengthening the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and the maintenance of international and regional peace and security. Certain difficulties and challenges are unavoidable in the implementation of the JCPOA. The parties must proceed from the whole picture, stick to political will, fend off outside influences and boost confidence regarding the prospects of implementation.

Secondly, all parties should earnestly implement their respective obligations and commitments. As indicated by the reports of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran has implemented its nuclear-related commitments under the JCPOA. China appreciates Iran’s efforts to implement the JCPOA and calls on all parties to continue to be guided by the JCPOA, stick to the step-by-step approach and the principles of reciprocity, equity and balance, honor their respective commitments and build up mutual trust.

Thirdly, existing mechanism must be well-utilized. China has taken note of the report (S/2017/495) on the activities of the Procurement Working Group submitted by the Joint Commission to the Council. We welcome the briefing by the Coordinator of the Procurement Working Group to the implementation mechanism of resolution 2231 (2015). We will continue our active participation in the activities of the Joint Commission and the Procurement Working Group. It is China’s hope that the working mechanisms can work within their mandates, and form a synergy to jointly promote the implementation of the JCPOA. All parties should demonstrate mutual understanding and accommodation, and resolve their differences properly within the existing framework in an effort to seek consensus.

Fourth, the Secretary-General’s report must be properly handled. China has taken note of the report (S/2017/515) submitted by Secretary-General Guterres. The Secretary-General’s report is an important part of the process of implementing the resolution and the JCPOA. All parties should bear in mind the larger picture and consider the Secretary-General’s report in conjunction with the overarching goal of implementing the resolution and the JCPOA. It is vital for the report of the Secretary-General to reflect the efforts of all relevant parties to fully implement the resolution in an objective and balanced way.

The report should send a positive message, namely, that all parties are committed to implementing the resolution and the JCPOA. China notes that the Secretary-General has, in his report, underscored the significance of the conclusion of the JCPOA, and China has encouraged all parties to support that historic agreement by fully and effectively implementing the agreement, so as to ensure that all participants can benefit.

With regard to Iran’s missile launches, all parties should accurately interpret the relevant Council resolutions and handle that issue with great care so as to avoid undermining the implementation of the JCPOA. The Secretary-General’s report should facilitate the maintenance of regional peace and stability, while relevant information should be accurate and credible.

China has taken note of some legitimate concerns of Iran about the content of the report, and hopes that those concerns can be reflected in the report in the future.

China has always advocated that the Iranian nuclear issue should be resolved through political and diplomatic means. We are committed to the enhancement of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and the maintenance of international regional peace and stability. China firmly supports and safeguards the JCPOA, which is a historic achievement, and is working actively to promote the modernization of the Arak heavy-water reactor, thereby playing a constructive role in promoting the implementation of the resolution and the JCPOA.

China will continue its active participation in the implementation process of the JCPOA, push for continued materialization of the dividends of the JCPOA to the benefit of all parties, so as to make our contribution to the comprehensive, long-term and proper settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue.