President Rayeesi Reiterates Iran's Firm Stance on 'One China' Policy Ahead of Pelosi's Potential Visit to Taiwan
TEHRAN (FNA)- Iranian President Seyed Ebrahim Rayeesi, in a phone talk with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, stressed that Tehran will stand firm on its 'One China' policy, and considers the US intervention in other countries’ internal affairs destructive.
President Rayeesi noted respect for the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries is among the fundamental principles of the country's foreign policy, voicing Tehran's firm support for the One China policy toward Taiwan.
"Support for the One China policy is a definite and principled policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran," he said in an hour-long phone conversation with his Chinese counterpart on Friday.
The Iranian president added the US interference in the internal affairs of countries is a continuation of Washington's destructive policy of unilateralism, which is "now turning into a threat to international peace and security".
During the phone conversation, Rayeesi told Xi that Tehran is resolved to expand relations with Beijing in all fields regardless of the existing international developments, and stressed any US effort to repeat the Cold War era in the world would indicate its weakness and decline.
He added that Iran's policy on the improvement of ties with its neighboring states has "prepared the necessary ground for collective security and development in West Asia, and can serve as a model for strengthening political confidence and economic development in the region".
The Iranian chief executive also reiterated the country's efforts to provide maritime security and transfer of energy.
Pointing to the talks between Iran and the P4+1 group of countries on possible ways to revive the 2015 agreement, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Rayeesi noted as the party that breached the agreement, the United States should make a "political decision", and adopt all the necessary measures to remove illegal sanctions against Tehran and the third parties.
The Iranian president welcomed the promotion of multilateral economic cooperation in line with regional and extra-regional arrangements such as the powerful group of the world’s emerging economies, known as BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
Rayeesi and Xi also hailed increasing mutual ties and trade exchanges over the past year, and agreed on ways to speed up the implementation of the 25-year strategic partnership agreement between Tehran and Beijing.
Xi stated Iran plays a constructive role in maintaining stability in the region and voiced his country's opposition to the policy of pressure and unilateralism.
He undelined in face of the complex international situation, China and Iran have strengthened solidarity and cooperation, enhanced their common interests, and safeguarded the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.
He underscored the importance of strategic relations between Tehran and Beijing and said China stands ready to work with Iran to push for new progress in the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
The Chinese president urged the two countries to continue to firmly support one another on issues concerning their core interests and issues of major concerns, saying Tehran and Beijing need to maintain close communication on the implementation of their comprehensive cooperation plans.
Beijing has warned that it was “getting ready” for a possible visit by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The Pentagon has reportedly developed a “contingency plan” to send additional ships and fighter jets to the region, while China has threatened the US with “unbearable consequences” should the visit go forward.
President Xi has recently told his US counterpart Joe Biden that Taiwan is a part of China and the 1.4 billion Chinese will not tolerate any challenges to the country’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity. China is firmly opposed to Taiwanese separatism and will not tolerate “independence” for the island “in whatever form”, Xi told Biden, in the first direct call between the two leaders since mid-March.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian warned on Friday if the United States challenges Beijing's red line, it will be met with resolute countermeasures.
The US side must bear all consequences arising therefrom, Zhao said at a daily news briefing when answering a query on whether Pelosi's potential visit to Taiwan would ruin the atmosphere for holding more high level dialogues between China and the United States.
Zhao added the two heads of state had a candid communication and exchange on China-US relations and issues of mutual interest during their phone talks on Thursday.
Recently, China has repeatedly stated its grave concern and solemn position of firmly opposing Pelosi's potential visit to Taiwan, he stressed.
Under the “One China” policy, nearly all countries across the globe recognize Beijing’s sovereignty over Chinese Taipei, including the US, which has no formal diplomatic ties with the territory but continues to support its anti-Beijing stance and supply it with massive amounts of armaments.