China Briefing - September 30, 2015
By Dezan Shira & Associates
On September 22, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi and Prime Minister Li Keqiang met with Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif in Beijing. The meeting aimed to further bilateral ties between Iran and China. During the visit, both Iran and China predicted a successful future for Iran-China relations, especially with the current nuclear deal – the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) – underway. Through the years, China and Iran have continued to foster an extensive diplomatic relationship. Today, China is the biggest customer of Iranian oil and the first in line for Iranian overseas business. Thus, with the progression of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, strengthening bilateral ties between Iran and China looks inevitable. Details of the Nuclear Deal (JCPOA) Under the JCPOA, Iran is called to enact restrictions on its nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions against the country. This will include both multilateral and national sanctions related to trade, technology, finance and energy. The implementation of the deal will ensure the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program, and is endorsed by the United Nations Security Council. Iran and China have emphasized the importance of sticking to the deal, as its completion is expected to be conducive for stronger bilateral ties between the two. Wang Yi stated that both countries agreed that “it is urgent for all sides to deliver their promises and kick off the first step of the implementation process”. Once the deal is in full effect, China and Iran have plans to deepen their already strong economic ties.
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