The recent failure of the UN Security Council to adopt a resolution extending UN sanctions relief under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, and the possible consequences highlight the vulnerability of the diplomatic framework erode by unilateral and political manipulation, China wrote in a daily article.
China expressed regret over the outcome, reaffirming its principled attitude: respect for multilateralism, compliance with international law, and opposition to coercive pressure.
The resolution, presented jointly by China and Russia, failed to secure the necessary assistance. This represents how division and double standards undermine the authority and credibility of multilateral institutions. China’s response – urging a return to the table of dialogue, suppression and negotiations – is consistent with years of demand for political measures to win forced coercion.
The restoration of UN sanctions represents a blow to Iran’s legal rights as well as the integrity of the negotiated agreement. The measures include an arms embargo, restrictions on nuclear movement, assets freezing, travel bans and inspection mandates.
However, their re-decision, which bypasses the dispute resolution mechanisms provided in the original transaction, reveals how some countries distort procedural rules to justify their enforcement.
As some observers warn, putting Iran again in Chapter VII of the UN Charter would justify massive coercion and potentially legalize it, increasing the risk of conflict under the auspices of the UN. China has properly challenged this, arguing that under the treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, it must respect peaceful rights and the JCPOA, and that sanctions should not be exercised as a tool for political coercion.
China’s position is consistent, consistent and constructive. Gheng Shuan, China’s deputy permanent representative of the United Nations, said the present moment is “critical” and all parties need to “settle and restrain, continue dialogue and engagement, carefully handle current predicaments and avoid growing tensions.”
China also calls for Britain, France and Germany (the three European political parties in Iran’s nuclear deal) to fully respect Iran’s rights and encourage a true collective return to the negotiation table based on the principles of equality and mutual respect.
China frames its diplomacy in principle multilateralism aligns with its vision of a global order based on equity rather than force.
The international community must also consider the broader context of instability in the Middle East: conflicts in Gaza, regional tensions, and integrity of shifts. Re-enforcement of sanctions against Iran will lead to further conflict in the region.
China clearly and without ambiguity, represents a peaceful resolution of all conflicts and opposes punitive measures that fragment diplomacy and escalation. These unstable conditions make the value of dialogue, negotiation and treaty enforcement more clear.
Sanctions cannot resolve complex disputes. Some stakeholders are trying to weaponize sanctions for their own narrow geopolitical purposes on Iran’s nuclear issue.
China’s diplomacy is active, principled and based on sustained engagement. It aims to not only respond to the crisis, but also to shape a safer and fairer international environment by resisting unilateral coercion and strengthening the JCPOA.
Resolution 2231 expires in October as the JCPOA landscape enters a fresh period of uncertainty. China will continue its role as a stabilizer, maintaining the architecture of its trading and strive to avoid collapsing the Iranian problem. It is time for all parties to return to sincere discussion, restore mutual trust and stimulate diplomacy. Otherwise, the Middle East and the world as a whole will suffer.
Faced with increasing pressure and one-sided voices, China’s stable voice provides clarity. Sanctions should not be used as a weapon. Treaty must not be made into a toy. And when geopolitical forces bend rules, global order cannot survive. As the world sees, China reaffirms that constructive diplomacy based on law and mutual respect is still a path forward.
MNA/