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Li Song, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Arms Control and Disarmament of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,answered questions about Iran's nuclear issue during an interview with People's Daily online on Jan 18, 2012. |
Q: What is China’s role in addressing Iran’s nuclear issue? What is the six-country mechanism?
A: China has always promoted peace and dialogue and sought a long-term resolution to settle Iran’s nuclear issue. We oppose the use of force as it may bring disastrous consequences to the Middle East and threaten energy security and the world economy. The six-country mechanism was initiated to tackle Iran’s nuclear issue in 2006. The six countries, including the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany, have played an important role in dealing with Iran’s nuclear issue by promoting dialogue and negotiations. Four talks and dozens of conferences have been held by the mechanism in the past five years.
Q: What’s your comment on the accusation China is assisting Iran to develop nuclear weapons?
A: As a signatory of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), China is committed to not assisting, supporting and encouraging non-nuclear-weapon states to develop nuclear weapons. We have never helped and will never help Iran develop nuclear weapons. China has strict non-proliferation export regulations to direct all Chinese companies and entities to monitor their trade activities. However, no third party should interfere with the normal trade and energy cooperation between China and Iran.
Q: To prevent proliferation of nuclear weapons is the wish of the whole world. How do we achieve that?
A: NPT has set obligations for nuclear-weapons states and non-nuclear-weapons states. To achieve its goal of preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons, there are five aspects. The first is establishing a fair and rational new international order. The second is establishing a new security concept featuring mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and cooperation. The third is consolidating and strengthening the international mechanism of nuclear non-proliferation. The fourth is realizing the mission of preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons through dialogues and negotiations. The fifth is balancing the prevention of proliferation of nuclear weapons with nuclear energy uses.
