Phoenix TV: According to reports, a White House official said on Wednesday that President Trump had signed the memorandum of understanding for the first stage of negotiations with Iran. Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran and Washington had finalized and signed the agreement. What’s China’s comment?

Lin Jian: The signing of the memorandum of understanding for the first stage of negotiations between the United States and Iran is of positive significance for easing tensions and consolidating the momentum for ceasefire. China welcomes it and hopes that all relevant parties including the United States and Iran will uphold the spirit of contract and implement it in good faith. Force is no solution. Negotiation on an equal footing is the right choice. It is hoped that the United States and Iran will both approach the second stage of negotiations with a rational and practical attitude, work in the same direction, and strive for positive outcomes.

Since the outbreak of the conflict, China has been working tirelessly for the end of fighting and for peace. President Xi Jinping made four propositions on safeguarding and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East and said China supports regional countries in building a common home of good-neighborliness, development, security and cooperation. Foreign Minister Wang Yi held in-depth communication and coordination with senior officials including foreign ministers of relevant countries through more than 30 phone calls and meetings. China and Pakistan jointly issued the five-point initiative for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East region. Going forward, China will be guided by President Xi’s four propositions and continue playing an active and constructive role in bringing about lasting peace and security in the Middle East and Gulf region.

Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting: With Iran securing a decisive victory, and with today’s MOU and the ceasefire being sealed, Speaker of Parliament Mr. Qalibaf said yesterday that Iran must be a true partner in every sense with China. How will China translate this momentum into a full strategic upgrade with Iran?

Lin Jian: China always supports realizing peace and stability in the Middle East and Gulf region, and welcomes the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Iran. As a comprehensive strategic partner of Iran, China stands ready to consolidate and deepen political mutual trust with Iran, enhance mutually-beneficial cooperation in various fields, and bring the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership forward.

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AFP: Regarding the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding and the next phase of peace talks, will China mediate in peace negotiations going forward? And what will that look like?

Lin Jian: Since the conflict began, China has been working for an end to the conflict and for peace. President Xi Jinping put forward the four propositions on safeguarding and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, reflecting China’s consistent position and active effort for promoting ceasefire and peace, and advocating dialogue in resolving differences. This has provided a Chinese approach for resolving the Middle East crisis and played an important role in building international consensus. China will continue to act in line with President Xi Jinping’s four propositions, never cease its efforts to promote peace and facilitate dialogue, and make sustained contributions to restoring peace, stability and development in the Middle East at an early date.

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Hubei Media Group: Iran and the U.S. have reached the memorandum of understanding for the first stage of negotiations. Meanwhile, we noted that Israel has not yet ceased its military operations in Lebanon. Iran publicly said that it may dampen the implementation of the deal. What’s China’s comment?

Lin Jian: Iran and the U.S. have reached the memorandum of understanding for the first stage of negotiations, which provides favorable conditions for easing tensions in the Middle East. The international community is following the implementation of the Iran-U.S. deal for the first stage of negotiations and the upcoming stage two negotiations. At this critical stage, relevant parties including Israel need to follow the overwhelming trend of peace and stability in the region and do more to help Iran and the U.S. implement the deal and promote stage two negotiations, rather than the other way around. China stands ready to continue to leverage its influence and work relentlessly with the rest of the world for the early realization of lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.