President,

At present, tensions in the Middle East persist, and the process toward a political settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue remains deeply deadlocked. Any action that heightens tensions and confrontation or undermines dialogue and negotiations should be rejected, and every opportunity that helps de-escalate the situation and advance diplomatic efforts should be cherished. China stands on the side of peace, on the side of dialogue, and on the right side of history. It was on this basis that China voted against the Security Council draft resolution concerning sanctions on Iran. I wish to further emphasize the following points.

First, China voted against the draft resolution to uphold a correct understanding of right and wrong. The current predicament on the Iranian nuclear issue stems from the unilateral withdrawal of the United States from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), its policy of maximum pressure against Iran, and its twice resorting to force in the midst of negotiations with Iran. The E3 failed to fulfill their obligations under the JCPOA and failed to exhaust the dispute resolution procedures under the agreement. Their invocation of the so-called “snapback” mechanism is legally and procedurally flawed. Security Council resolution 2231 has expired and terminated, and the Security Council has ceased its consideration of the Iranian nuclear issue. Distorting the historical context of the Iranian nuclear issue, insisting on forcing through the reimposition of sanctions in the Security Council, and pushing a controversial draft resolution will undermine the unity and authority of the Council and impede diplomatic efforts. China firmly opposes such moves.

Second, China voted against the draft resolution to safeguard the overall interests of a political settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue. A protracted conflict between the United States and Iran serves neither the interests of the parties concerned nor the common interests of the international community. Only by addressing the legitimate concerns of the parties concerned through dialogue and negotiations and reaching a solution that serves the interests of all parties can the continued expansion of spillover effects on the economy, energy and food security be effectively contained. The most urgent task for the international community is to encourage the United States, Iran and other relevant parties to choose peace, resolve their disputes through dialogue and negotiations, restore normal navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible, and bring peace and tranquility back to the Gulf region of the Middle East at an early date.

Third, China voted against the draft resolution to properly address non-proliferation concerns. As a non-nuclear-weapon State party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), Iran should honor its commitment not to develop nuclear weapons, and its legitimate right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy should be respected. Military strikes by certain countries against Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards have created serious security risks and practical difficulties for cooperation between Iran and the Agency. The United States and Iran should properly resolve their differences through rational and pragmatic negotiations. The United States should commit to refraining from any further use of force, so as to ensure that Iran can conduct peaceful nuclear activities in an orderly manner under strict IAEA safeguards.

Fourth, China voted against the draft resolution for lasting peace and stability in the Middle East. Peace and stability in the Middle East cannot be achieved through external interference or bloc confrontation. Misinterpreting or even abusing Security Council resolutions, applying double standards and pursuing geopolitical agendas will only undermine the efforts of regional countries to rebuild mutual trust and achieve common security. The international community should uphold the principle that the people in the Middle East should be the masters of their own affairs, promote the convergence of interests among countries in the region, eliminate the breeding grounds for conflict, respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of regional countries, and play a constructive role in addressing the security dilemma in the Middle East.

President,

China has always exercised the utmost caution when it comes to the use of the veto. However, as a permanent member of the Security Council, when faced with cardinal questions of right and wrong and matters concerning fairness and justice, China will never compromise on its principles. China has no self-interest in the Iranian nuclear issue. China's position has always been guided by the need to uphold multilateralism and the authority of the Security Council, safeguard the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, and maintain regional peace and stability. China stands ready to continue working with all parties and make unremitting efforts toward a political settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue.

Thank you, President.