On November 9, 2019, Director-General of the Department of Arms Control of the Foreign Ministry Fu Cong made remarks on the Iranian nuclear issue at the 2019 Moscow Non-proliferation Conference. He pointed out, the root cause of the current tension of the Iranian nuclear issue lies with the withdrawal of the United States (US) from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on the Iranian nuclear issue and the US policy of maximum pressure against Iran. He called on all parties to make concerted efforts to seek a political and diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue.

Fu Cong said, China is a party to and strong supporter of the JCPOA. We should follow the four-point commitment to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue. First, the fundamental principle of multilateralism should be upheld. Preserving the JCPOA serves the good purpose of safeguarding multilateralism and the international order based on international law. Second, the balance between rights and obligations under the JCPOA should be maintained. The balance disrupted by the US withdrawal from the deal and resumption of sanctions on Iran need to be restored, which is a minimum of fairness and justice. Third, disputes should be resolved through dialogue and consultation. Instead of finger-pointing, all parties should seek to resolve issues related to JCPOA implementation within the framework of the Joint Commission. Fourth, peace in the region should be the overriding objective of all related efforts. China calls upon the countries in the Gulf region to engage in dialogue on regional security issues. Meanwhile, we call upon countries outside the region to refrain from inciting hostility and confrontation in that region.

Fu Cong stressed, China has taken a firm position in safeguarding its normal trade with Iran. China will continue to push forward the modification of the Arak heavy-water reactor in accordance with the JCPOA and the consensus reached among the parties. The Chinese side will work with all parties to continue to well preserve and implement the JCPOA and make unremitting efforts to seek a political and diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue.