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Hong Kong : International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conducted a meeting of the Board of Governors this week and adopted a new resolution on the Iranian nuclear issue. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the Republic of China, Hong Lei, spoke in a press conference and stated that China welcomed the adoption of a resolution by the IAEA Board of Governors on December 15 which would close investigations into possible military dimensions to the Iranian nuclear program and pave the way for the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Lei added that China commended the efforts made by the IAEA and Iran for the settlement of the issue. The preparatory work for implementing the JCPOA was proceeding in the right direction, he said, adding, it was going well as P5+1 and Iran had taken concrete actions to show their political support. The Chinese side is determined to stand ready to work with the other parties, act in strict accordance with the JCPOA, and speed up all preparatory work so that the Implementation Day can come at an early date.

Answering to questions raised by a reporter regarding the 3rd foreign ministers’ meeting on Syria scheduled to be held tomorrow, December 18, in New York, when asked whether China would attend the meeting, and if it did, what would China’s expectations be from the meeting, Lei said — China welcomes and supports the 3rd foreign ministers’ meeting of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG). As a member of the ISSG, China will actively participate in the meeting. In our view, the goal of the meeting is to achieve more positive and practical results based on the outcomes of the previous two foreign ministers’ meetings. The focus is to build up consensus on major issues like the launch of political dialogue between the Syrian government and the opposition as well as the national ceasefire arrangements so as to move forward Syria’s political process. China stands ready to work with all parties to contribute to the political settlement of the Syrian issue.

A reporter raised the querry of South china Sea disputed and referred to a BBC report stating China’s construction activities on relevant islands and reefs in the South China Sea, which had damaged marine ecological environment. When asked about China’s response on this matter, the spokesperson said — The relevant report is severely biased and misleading. The Nansha Islands are China’s territory. China cares about ecological protection of relevant islands, reefs and waters more than anyone. China has gone through scientific evaluation and argumentation before undertaking the construction on the islands and reefs. Placing equal emphasis on construction and protection, China has taken into full account issues like ecological environment and fishery protection, strictly followed environmental standards and requirements during construction, and adopted many effective measures to protect ecological environment.