China has strongly opposed armed attacks on peaceful nuclear facilities under the safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), calling for a political and diplomatic resolution to the Iranian nuclear issue.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks during a regular news briefing while responding to reports of recent military operations in which the United States and Israel allegedly targeted several Iranian nuclear-related sites, including the Arak heavy water production plant, Khondab heavy water reactor, Ardakan yellowcake production plant, and Bushehr nuclear power plant.
She stated that armed attacks on peaceful nuclear facilities monitored by the IAEA violate the purposes of the UN Charter, international law, and the Statute of the IAEA. Such actions, she added, undermine the authority of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), weaken global nuclear non-proliferation efforts, and may have serious implications for regional peace, security, and stability.
Mao noted that the Eleventh Review Conference of the NPT is expected to take place soon. She expressed concern over the impact of the recent strikes and reiterated that China stands ready to work with all parties to safeguard the global nuclear non-proliferation regime and promote peace and stability in the Middle East.