Beijing calls for pragmatic US–Iran talks while rebuking NATO

China has welcomed the signing of an interim agreement between the United States and Iran, expressing hope that both sides will approach upcoming negotiations “rationally and pragmatically.”

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Beijing also expects both parties to fulfil their commitments under the deal, according to a press briefing, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

The statement comes as diplomatic efforts continue to consolidate the agreement and prepare for further rounds of negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stressed the importance of strengthening relations with China, describing it as a key partner in addressing Iran’s economic challenges.

“China is definitely unique to us. It is we who China must believe – and it will believe – that we are not just a customer or a trading partner, rather we are truly a partner with China in every sense of the word,” he was quoted as saying by Mehr news agency.

Separately, Beijing also pushed back against NATO criticism of China, urging the alliance to reconsider its stance and avoid escalating tensions.

Lin Jian urged NATO to rectify its wrongful perception about China and stop instigating confrontation and buck-passing, adding it should seriously reflect upon what role it has played in world peace and stability.

Spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks at a daily press briefing, in response to relevant China-related remarks made by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte regarding the Ukraine crisis.

By Aghakazim Guliyev