On Sept. 10 China’s deputy UN ambassador Sun Lei told the Security Council he
was seriously concerned and strongly opposed to efforts by certain Council
members to force a meeting and restore sanctions on Iran despite major
divisions. Sun said the United States has stepped up unilateral sanctions and
launched a new round of military strikes against Iran; US‑Iran exchanges have
renewed regional tensions and seriously set back mediation efforts. China urged
the US to commit not to use force and to engage in sincere negotiations with
Iran, called on all parties to abandon the use or threat of force, and said the
Iran nuclear issue should be returned to a political‑diplomatic track aimed at a
comprehensive, lasting ceasefire and a peace agreement that balances reasonable
demands of all sides.
