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Q: The UN Security Council adopted a new resolution on sanctions against Iran, which was rejected by Iran. What is your response and what will you do next? The resolution bans both military and civilian trade with Iran. China is Iran's trading partner, what impact will it have on China?

A: The UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1803 on the Iranian nuclear issue and I already stated our position this morning. The purpose of the Resolution is not to punish Iran but to activate a new round of diplomatic negotiation and promote resumption of the talks.

Meanwhile, the Resolution reflects the concerns of the international community on the Iranian nuclear issue. We hope Iran can take the concerns of the international community seriously and continue to maintain communication and cooperation with the IAEA and other relevant parities so as to resolve the pending issues.

We believe that diplomatic negotiation is the best option for the resolution of the issue. We stand ready and hope to exert patience, sincerity and flexibility with a view to seeking a durable, comprehensive and proper solution of the issue. We will continue to play a constructive role to this end.

The trade between Iran and China as well as other countries are normal economic exchanges and cooperation between sovereign states. It has nothing to do with Iran's nuclear programme and does not violate relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council. We hope and request the trade exchanges and cooperation not to be affected.

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Q: With regard to imposing sanctions on Iran, China has insisted that pressure and sanctions are not the way to resolve the issue, while negotiation is the best option. But China still voted for the resolution on sanctions against Iran. Could you explain why China changes its position on imposing sanctions on Iran?

A: First of all, I would like to clarify that China has been consistent on its position on the Iranian nuclear issue. There is no such a question of changing position. We have always stood for safeguarding the authority of the international non-proliferation regime and opposing the proliferation of nuclear weapons. We also hold the view that peace and stability in the world and regions, the Middle East in particular, should be safeguarded. On the Iranian nuclear issue, we decide our positions in line with the above-mentioned two principles. It is for this reason that we believe it is the best way out to facilitate a settlement of the issue through diplomatic negotiations, which serves the interest of non-proliferation regime as well as peace and stability in the region. It is also in the common interest of the countries concerned. On the issue of sanctions, we have repeatedly stressed that sanction itself is not the end. The purpose of the resolution is to activate diplomatic efforts, create conditions for the resumption of talks, and serve the ultimate goal of a proper settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue through diplomatic efforts. We will continue to handle the Iranian nuclear issue in light of the two principles I expounded just now.

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