Madam Chair,

China takes note of the Director General's report on Verification and Monitoring in the Islamic Republic of Iran in light of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231. The report verifies that the Agency maintains verification and monitoring of Iran's implementation of its nuclear-related commitments under the JCPOA and that there is no diversion of declared nuclear material in Iran. China appreciates the efforts undertaken by the Director General and the Secretariat and encourages Iran to continue the full cooperation with the Agency.

China notes that the report contains reference to the natural uranium particles of anthropogenic origin found in undeclared locations in Iran and is confident that Iran and the Agency could properly address this issue through dialogue. We hope that members of the Board of Governors take into full account of the past record of good cooperation between Iran and the Agency in supporting the Agency's safeguard and monitoring efforts in Iran by adhering to the principle of objectivity, impartiality and neutrality and in strict accordance with the mandate.

Madam Chair,

The JCPOA has been endorsed by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 and represents an important achievement of multilateral diplomacy and a crucial element in the international non-proliferation system. To preserve the JCPOA is tantamount to preserving the international order based on international law and maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East. The actions of the United States in unilaterally withdrawing from the JCPOA, exerting maximum pressure against Iran, pushing for the extension and even the full restoration of sanctions against Iran at the Security Council have met widespread opposition and resistance. Facts have proven time and again that it is international consensus to preserve multilateralism and that unilateral bullying practices are unpopular. We call on the United States to abandon its wrongful practice of maximum pressure and return to the right track by abiding by and implementing the JCPOA.

It is the shared hope of the international community that the situation surrounding the Iranian nuclear issue moves in the direction of relaxation. China consistently holds the view that the continued preservation and implementation of the JCPOA should be a fundamental prerequisite for any political and diplomatic solution to this issue. Under the current circumstances, it is important that all the parties proceed from a long-term view and bear in mind the big picture , unswervingly preserve the authority and efficacy of the JCPOA and the UNSC resolution and seek a solution to the differences in JCPOA implementation through dialogue and consultations in accordance with the principle of step by step approach and reciprocity within the framework of the JCPOA Joint Commission so as to restore the balance between rights and obligations under the JCPOA.

Madam Chair,

China understands and pays attention to security concerns of relevant parties in the Gulf region. We advocate that on the precondition of preserving the JCPOA, a platform be set up for multilateral dialogue in the Middle East and the Gulf region with the participation of all stake holders on an equal footing to jointly adopt confidence-building measures and develop continuously the common understanding for maintaining regional peace and stability by starting with the easy problems and following the principle of gradualism, synchronousness and reciprocity. China stands ready to step up the interactions with other parties and work for the convergence of similar initiatives for synergy as a joint driving force for the preservation of the JCPOA and peace in the Gulf region.

China's aim on the Iranian nuclear issue has always been to maintain the international non-proliferation regime, peace and stability in the Middle East, the authority of multilateralism and the United Nations and the international order based on international law. China will firmly stand on the right side of history with all parties and make unremitting efforts for a political and diplomatic solution of the Iranian nuclear issue.

Thank you, Madam Chair.