Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry

 The GCC countries and Iran are all China’s friends, and neither China-GCC relations nor China-Iran relations are targeted at any third party. China supports the GCC countries in improving relations with Iran based on the principle of good-neighborly friendship, conducting win-win cooperation with Iran and jointly promoting the development and stability in the Persian Gulf. China is willing to continue to play a constructive role in this regard, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at Monday’s press briefing.

The comments are in response to a question over whether China will not neglect its relations with Iran by developing relations with GCC countries.

During the recently held China-GCC Summit, a joint statement by China and the GCC was issued and a 2023-2027 action plan for strategic dialogue between China and the GCC was adopted.

The development of relations between China and the GCC countries is aimed at deepening bilateral practical cooperation in various sectors and delivering benefits to the people of both sides, he said.

Wang also noted that China and Iran enjoy traditional friendship. 

“China and Iran jointly decided to cement and grow a comprehensive strategic partnership,” the spokesperson said. “China stands ready to enhance communication and coordination with Iran to make new progress in bilateral relations. The two sides have signed a plan for China-Iran comprehensive cooperation, which started implementation early this year. China will work with Iran for the sound and steady growth of practical cooperation.” 

Chinese Vice Premier Hu Chunhua’s visit to Iran starts on Monday, which China believes will play a positive role in deepening China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership, Wang said. 

China and Iran have a traditional friendship, and the consolidation and development of the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership are the common choices of both sides, Wang pointed out. China is ready to strengthen communication and coordination with Iran to push forward new progress in bilateral relations.

Global Times