Beijing insists on talks to resolve Iranian nuclear issue

China expects the U.S. to take concrete steps to normalize bilateral relations, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Qin Gan said on Thursday, the Voice of Russia news agency said.

 

“We urge the U.S. to seriously consider the position of China, and demonstrate commitment to the maintenance of healthy bilateral relations, as well as to take concrete action to bring about its development,” the spokesperson said.

 

On the ongoing Iranian nuclear problem, Qin Gan said Beijing was not ready to change its position in relation to proposals for a new UN resolution on Iran, and would continue to insist on talks between the sides.

 

“China is unwavering in its support for the non-proliferation regime and we believe that the Iranian problem must be resolved through diplomatic means,” he said.

 

The diplomat’s comments came in connection with the visit to China by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg and adviser to Barack Obama on China Jeffrey Bader. The U.S. administration’s special representatives arrived in China to clarify the tense situation in bilateral ties over the “three Ts” – trade, Taiwan and Tibet.

 

U.S.-China ties worsened after Washington’s intention to conclude a large arms deal with Taiwan and Barack Obama’s recent meeting with the Dalai Lama, whom China considers a separatist. In response, China not only repeatedly expressed its dissatisfaction, but also accused Washington of interference in its internal affairs.

 

 

04.03.2010