On January 4, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a telephone conversation with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian.

Jean-Yves Le Drian briefed the Chinese side on France's views on the current situation in the Middle East, stressing that France opposes the use of force in international relations and believes that Iraq's territorial sovereignty should be respected. It is of vital importance to maintain the JCPOA under the current circumstances. France stands ready to maintain close communication with China and play a positive role in preventing escalating tensions in the region.

Wang said China and France share similar positions. Unilateral use of force will not solve the problem, but will backfire, leading to a vicious circle of confrontation that will end up with a mess. As permanent members of the UN Security Council, both China and France shoulder important responsibility of maintaining world peace and stability. It is necessary for both sides to strengthen strategic communication and play a constructive role to jointly safeguard the principles and purposes of the UN Charter and basic norms governing international relations, and jointly oppose any unilateral military action.

Wang stressed that the JCPOA is an important outcome of multilateral diplomacy achieved through efforts by all parties. It is also a key pillar for peace and stability in the Middle East. We hope all parties will stay in close communication so as not to let the attack affect the implementation of the JCPOA.