China Opposes Joining Europe in Potentially Imposing Iran Sanctions

China said it opposes sanctions against Iran days after a German official suggested Europe should consider reimposing sanctions against the country for its breaches of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. “It is China's consistent position that wanton use or threat of sanctions is neither constructive nor helpful to solve any problem,” a China Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Nov. 14. “Dialogue and negotiation is the real way out.”

The comments came after Germany’s foreign minister said Europe “will reserve the right” to reimpose sanctions and after Germany, France and Britain issued a statement on Iran’s continued breaches of the JCPOA (see 1911120030). “Parties including the European side and Iran should exercise restraint,” China’s spokesperson said, urging Europe to “remain committed to full and effective implementation of the agreement.” The spokesperson also said the U.S.’s maximum pressure campaign against Iran and its withdrawal from the JCPOA are the “root cause of the current crisis.” China has previously criticized U.S. sanctions on Iran (see 1911050018).