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Global Times: According to reports, Iran informed the IAEA on February 15 that the country will stop implementing voluntary transparency measures under the JCPOA as of 23 February, including the Additional Protocol. It also listed seven other "transparency measures" that Iran plans to stop implementing. AP also reported that IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi will visit Tehran on Saturday for discussions "to find a mutually agreeable solution for the IAEA to continue essential verification activities in the country." Do you have any comment?

Hua Chunying: Currently the Iranian nuclear issue is at a critical stage with both opportunities and challenges. China holds that the return of the United States to the JCPOA is the only correct approach to resolve the impasse on this issue. All parties should act with greater urgency, work together to implement consensus reached at the foreign ministers' meeting last December, and push for the unconditional return of the United States to the JCPOA as soon as possible and the lifting of all sanctions on Iran. On its part, Iran should resume full compliance with the JCPOA. In the meantime, we call on all sides to remain calm and exercise restraint, avoid taking actions that will escalate the situation and reserve space for diplomatic efforts.

China supports the IAEA and Iran in properly handling issues related to safeguards through dialogue and consultation. We hope all parties will play a constructive role in this regard.

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