In an interview with Tasnim, Chang Hua said China and Iran are “comprehensive strategic partners”, expressing his country’s willingness to promote cooperation and links with Iran in all arenas, including the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

China believes that positive interaction among all countries could safeguard multilateralism and counter unilateralism and hegemony, he said.

Collective cooperation would also protect international justice and equality for the fulfillment of common interests of the developing nations, the envoy added.

The ambassador also pointed to the growing political, economic and cultural interaction between China and Iran on the basis of mutual respect and interests, saying the two states have also joined hands in the efforts to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.

Asked about the US’ failure to trigger the snapback mechanism of the JCPOA and its intensified sanctions against Iran, the Chinese ambassador said Washington has disregarded the UN Charter and violated the international law by imposing economic and financial sanctions or resorting to unilateral and punitive measures against other nations.

Such American policies amount to an onslaught on the international political and economic system, Chang Hua said, adding that the US sanctions have impaired the improvement of livelihood of people in the sanctioned states and have ignored the basic rights of innocent people, including children, women and the elderly.

On the prospect of the US presidential election, the Chinese ambassador said it is a domestic issue of the US, adding, “China’s policy on the United States is a fixed policy.”

“As regards the US, we are committed to the principles of non-conflict and non-confrontation, mutual respect, and win-win cooperation. At the same time, we will defend our country’s national sovereignty, security, and interests in the process of development.”

Heading a high-ranking delegation, Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif visited China last week at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi.

“Fruitful talks in beautiful Tengchong with my friend Wang Yi on Iran-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Rejected US unilateralism and US attempts to create unipolar world. Agreed on strengthening our ties incl 25-yr plan, regional coop, preserving JCPOA & vaccine collab,” Zarif said in a tweet after the trip.

Recently, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said Tehran and Beijing “are determined to further expand their strategic partnership,” adding that China is Iran’s “1st economic partner” despite the US “maximum pressure” campaign against the Islamic Republic.