(Photo by Li Muzi, Xinhua News Agency)

Mr. President,

China thanks you for convening today’s meeting and thanks Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Mr. Jeffrey Feltman, Ambassador Oyarzun Marchesi and Ambassador Joao Vale de Almeida for their briefings.

In July 2015, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2231 (2015) on the Iranian nuclear issue, which endorsed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) concluded by the E3/EU+3 and Iran. The conclusion of the JCPOA was a success story in the settlement of international and regional hotspot issues by political and diplomatic means. It will succeed so long as the parties maintain confidence in the political settlement process, demonstrate political will and make tireless efforts to that end.

Mr. President,

The implementation of the JCPOA is a protracted process. Inevitably, there will be difficulties and challenges. The parties must continue to make the following efforts: firstly, to use the JCPOA as a yardstick, to adhere to the principle of step-by-step and reciprocity and to fully implement their commitments; secondly, to keep the larger picture in mind, assiduously strengthen mutual trust, and allow political trust to serve as the ballast for the follow-up implementation of the JCPOA and resolution 2231 (2015); and thirdly, to promote mutual understanding and accommodation, duly settle the differences, actively seek consensus and jointly make progress. The JCPOA will hold only if they act accordingly.

China notes the report (S/2016/589) submitted by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the facilitator for the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015), Ambassador Oyarzun Marchesi. It is important that the reports reflect the implementation of all parties in an objective and balanced manner, and the efforts of all parties should be reflected in the report. China also notes the report recently submitted by the Joint Commission on the work of the Procurement Working Group. China will continue to participate actively in the work of the Joint Commission and the Procurement Working Group.

Mr. President,

China has always advocated the settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue by political and diplomatic means and is committed to strengthening the international nuclear non-proliferation regime in order to maintain international peace and stability. China constructively participated in the entire JCPOA negotiating process, and proposed useful plans and ideas for the deal. China is willing to work with all parties to implement the JCPOA and resolution 2231 (2015) in earnest and to make contributions to the comprehensive, long-term and appropriate solution to the Iranian nuclear issue.

I thank you, Mr. President.