Mher Sahakyan, The Iranian Knot: The Positiion of China on Security Council Resolutions, Regional...

8/13/2019 Mher Sahakyan, The Iranian Knot: The Positiion of China on Security Council Resolutions, Regional Affairs vol 3 (N

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(LNG) over 25 years. The Yadavaren, as one of the worlds largestundeveloped oil fields would have a total production capacity ofaround 300,000 barrels per day, half of which would eventually be

exported to China.1

China has to continue import oil and natural gas for the

maintenance of the economic development. As it was mentionedabove Iran is the third supplier of energetic resources of Iran. Chinais interested in the stability and security of Iran which is under dangerbecause of the Iranian nuclear program. In 2006 Situation regardingto Iranian issue was totally changed when IAEA Director Generalnoted that after nearly three years of intensive verification activity,the Agency is not yet in a position to clarify some important issuesrelating to Irans nuclear program or to conclude that there are no

undeclared nuclear materialsor activities in Iran.2 In 2006Iranian nuclear issue wasbrought to the Security counciland at its 5500th meeting,on 31 July 2006 the NO 1696

resolution was adopted. It Calls upon all States, in accordance withtheir national legal authorities and legislation and consistent withinternational law, to exercise vigilance and prevent the transfer of anyitems, materials, goods and technology that could contribute to Iransenrichmentrelated and reprocessing activities and ballistic missileprograms. Calls Iran without further delay to take the steps required

by the IAEA Board of Governors in its resolution GOV/2006/14, whichare essential to build confidence in the exclusively peaceful purpose

1 Dingli Shen Irans Nuclear Ambitions Test Chinas Wisdom, THE WASHINGTONQUARTERLY _ SPRING 2006, page 61 Available online, at: http://web.pdx.edu/~ito/06spring_shen.pdf

2 (f) Recalling that in reports referred to above, the Director General noted that afternearly three years of intensive verification activity, the Agency is not yet in a positionto clarify some important issues relating to Irans nuclear programme or to concludethat there are no undeclared nuclear materials or activities in Iran,

(g) Recalling Irans many failures and breaches of its obligations to comply withits NPT Safeguards Agreement and the absence of confidence that Irans nuclearprogramme is exclusively for peaceful purposes resulting from the history ofconcealment of Irans nuclear activities, the nature of those activities and other issuesarising from the Agencys verification of declarations made by Iran since September2002, Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the Islamic Republic ofIran Resolution adopted on 4 February 2006, International Atomic Energy Agency,GOV/2006/14 Available online, at: http://www.iaea.org/Publications/Documents/Board/2006/gov200614.pdf

The Yadavaren, as one of the worlds largestundeveloped oil fields would have a totalproduction capacity of around 300,000barrels per day, half of which would

eventually be exported to China.


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of its nuclear program and to resolve outstanding questions 1 AfterVoting Chinese Ambassador LIU Zhenmin stated,

A belated appropriate solution to the Irans nuclear issue was

due to lack of trust among the main parties involved. Whether nowor in the future, the Council could not handle the issue singlehandedly. Dialogue and negotiations were the only way out. IAEAshould always be the main mechanism for dealing with the issue.Any measures adopted by the Council should serve the purpose ofdiplomatic efforts. Under the current circumstances, China urgedIran to practice restraint, earnestly implement the requirements of theresolution and make an early response to the package proposals, soas to create conditions for increasing trust and promoting dialogueand negotiation.2

Council Dynamics shows, that US argues that sanctions should beas wide and tough as possible. Russia and China prefer more limitedand less severe measures and certainly not ones that would affecttheir economic interests with Iran. It seems that the Europeans arein between these two approaches. This will impact discussions onthe nature of items to be embargoed (Russia and China may rejectthe listing of the means of nuclear weapons delivery) and whethera sanctions committee should be established. A consensus may befound on an incremental approach. 3 1696 resolution was followedup with resolution number 1737, which says that Iran has neitherestablished full and sustained suspension of all enrichmentrelatedand reprocessing activities as set out in resolution 1696 (2006),

nor resumed its cooperation with the IAEA under the AdditionalProtocol, nor taken the other steps required of it by the IAEA Boardof Governors, nor complied with the provisions of Security Councilresolution 1696 (2006) and which are essential to build confidence,and deploring Irans refusal to take these steps.

Due to resolution 1737 Adopted by the Security Council at its

1 Resolution 1696 (2006) Adopted by the Security Council at its 5500th meeting, on

31 July 2006 S/RES/1696 (2006) Available online, at: http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2006/sc8792.doc.htm2 Security council 5500th meeting, SECURITY COUNCIL DEMANDS IRAN SUSPEND

URANIUM ENRICHMENT BY 31AUGUST,OR FACE POSSIBLE ECONOMIC,DIPLOMATIC SANCTIONS Available online, at: http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2006/sc8792.doc.htm

3 Security council report, middle east, Iran November 2006 Monthly Forecast,Available online, at: http://www.securitycouncilreport.org/monthlyforecast/200611/lookup_c_glKWLeMTIsG_b_2193647.php


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5612th meeting, on 23 December 2006 UN SC placed a ban on saleand trade of nuclear technologies which can be used by Iran to reachheavy water related activity or to the development of nuclear weapon

delivery systems. By this resolution UN SC offered to all states toplace voluntary ban on individuals who are engaged, associated orproviding support to Irans nuclear program. The 1737 resolutionplaced financial sanctions on individuals and companies whichengaged with Irans nuclear and ballistic missile industries.1

On February 21, 2007 the Permanent Representative of China tothe United Nations sent the Report of China on the implementationof Security Council resolution 1737 the Chairman of the Committeewhich says: China supports the adoption by the Security Councilof resolution 1737 (2006). We hope that the resolution will beimplemented in earnest, while at the same time considering thatsanctions are not a goal, but only one means of getting Iran to rejointhe negotiations. The sanction measures presently being applied bythe Security Council are limited and reversible. China calls uponall concerned to continue to pursue allround diplomatic effortsto resume negotiations at the earliest possible date, and to strivefor a lasting, comprehensive and appropriate settlement. China willcontinue to play a constructive role.2

On February 22, 2007, El Baradei reported that Iran had continuedto enrich uranium at the Natanz facility and refused to provide detailsrequired for verification purposes IAEA BG Document GOV/2008/8(February 22, 2007). The U.S. and its partners sought a ban on

arms sales to Iran and limits on export credits for firms engaged incommercial deals in that country. This posed particular problems forthe PRC, which had existing contracts to supply the IRI with variousweapons, including antiship and surfacetoair missiles. Chinasexports as a whole had increased dramatically, rising from a value of$713 million in 2000 to $7.29 billion in 2007. As a result, on March9, Wang Guangya said that he did not see the need to expand [the

1 Resolution 1737 (2006)Adopted by the Security Council at its 5612th meeting, on 23December 2006, Available online, at: http://daccessddsny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N06/681/42/PDF/N0668142.pdf?OpenElement

2 Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006), 5 March2007, S/AC.50/2007/22, Annex to the letter dated 21 February 2007 from thePermanent Representative of China to the United Nations addressed to the Chairmanof the Committee, page 2 Available online, at: http://daccessddsny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N07/257/11/PDF/N0725711.pdf?OpenElement


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measures] to an arms embargo and objected to a prohibition onexport credits.1

After the negotiations, on 24 March, 2007, the Security Council at

its 5647th meeting adopted Resolution 1747 (2007) which says thatIran must not supply, sell or transfer any arms or related material.It calls upon all states and international financial institutions not toenter into new commitments for grants, financial assistance, andconcessional loans, to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran,except for humanitarian and development purposes. The new list of13 entities and 15 persons involved in nuclear or ballistic missilesactivities was added to resolution 1747 that would undergo financiallimitation.2 If Iran is prohibited to sell, supply or transfer weapons,all other countries were called for vigilance in arms sales to Iranand to omit a ban on export credits. What was the problem that West,though temporary, agreed not to prohibit but abstain from sellingweapons to Iran? The reason was Russia and China that could haveput a veto if the West tried to involve this point into the resolution text.Within this accordance the USA, Great Britain and France insuredthemselves from the possible veto of Russia and China.

Chinas ambassador in UN Wang Guangya said that his countryhad all along supported safeguarding the international nuclear nonproliferation mechanism and opposed the proliferation of nuclearweapons. China did not wish to see new turbulence in the MiddleEast, and favored a peaceful solution to Irans nuclear issue throughpolitical and diplomatic efforts and negotiations. He had voted in

favor of the resolution, as it basically reflected those views.However Irans foreign minister Manoucheher Mottaki, mentioned.

Irans nuclear program is completely peaceful.3

Movement towards further UNSC sanctions was spurred by anIranian rocket launch on February 4 that the U.S. and, notably,Russia were concerned might be a test of ballistic missile technology.4

1 Joel Wuthnow, Beyond the Veto: Chinese Diplomacy in the United Nations Security

Council, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, 2011, page 183, Available online, at: http://academiccommons.columbia.edu/catalog/ac:1320192 Resolution 1747 (2007) Adopted by the Security Council at its 5647th meeting on 24

March 2007, S/RES/1803 (2008)3 Security Council, 5647th Meeting (PM), SC/8980, Available online, at: http://www.

un.org/News/Press/docs/2007/sc8980.doc.htm4 Joel Wuthnow, Beyond the Veto: Chinese Diplomacy in the United Nations Security

Council, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, 2011, page 186http://academiccommons.columbia.edu/catalog/ac:132019


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On 3 March 2008 the Security Council Adopted Resolution 1803at its 5848th meeting. The resolution decides that all States shalltake the necessary measures to prevent the supply, sale or transfer

materials which can be used for producing nuclear weapons. Callsupon all States to exercise vigilance over the activities of financialinstitutions in their territories with all banks domiciled in Iran, andtheir branches and subsidiaries abroad, in order to avoid suchactivities contributing to the proliferation sensitive nuclear activities,.It also calls for voluntarily cargo inspection. The new list of officials,individuals and entities that was involved in nuclear or ballistic missilesactivities was attached in Annex I,II, III, in resolution 1803, that wouldbe undergo to financial limitation.1 Chinas representative in UN SCWang Guangya stressed the resolution was the Security Councilsfourth on the Iranian nuclear issue since July 2006. It reflectedinternational concern at, and expectations of all parties regardingan early settlement through diplomatic negotiations of, the Iraniannuclear issue. Developments visvis the Iranian issue had beenmixed. On one hand, the Director Generals latest report suggestedthat the Agency could verify the nondiversion of declared nuclearmaterial in Iran and had no concrete information about possibleundeclared nuclear material and activities. Iran had clarifiedsuch outstanding issues as uranium contamination and poloniumexperiments, and had provided information similar to that which ithad provided previously, pursuant to the Additional Protocol. He saidhis country welcomed the cooperation between Iran and IAEA, but

the report had also stated that Iran had not suspended its enrichmentactivities, as required by Security Council resolutions, and it hadstarted development of centrifuges. As the impasse had not beenbroken, the international community was calling for more diplomaticefforts, and hoped that parties could bring the issue back on the trackof settlement.2 14 of June Secretary General and high representativeof the EU Javier Solana delivered to Iranian government the text of the

letter which was designed by China, Russia, France, United Kingdom,1 Resolution 1803 (2008) Adopted by the Security Council at its 5848th meeting,

on 3 March 2008 S/RES/1803 (2008). Available online, at: http://www.iaea.org/newscenter/focus/iaeairan/unsc_res18032008.pdf

2 Security council 5848th meeting, on 3 March 2008 SECURITY COUNCIL TIGHTENSRESTRICTIONS ON IRANS PROLIFERATIONSENSITIVE nuclear ACTIVITIES,INCREASES VIGILANCE OVER IRANIAN BANKS, HAS STATES INSPECT CARGO.Available online, at: http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2008/sc9268.doc.htm


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Russian Federation, Germany, Untied States and Secretary Generaland high representatives of the EU. Six powers offer Iran provisiontechnological and financial assistance necessary for Irans peaceful

use of nuclear energy, support for the resumption of technicalcooperation plans in Iran by the IAEA, support for the constructionof the lightwater reactor, provision of legally binding nuclear fuelsupply guaranty, cooperation in regard with the management ofspent fuel and radioactive waste, ff Iran fulfills the requirementsof resolutions adopted by UNSC.1 Iran asked to give information indetails and UN SC decided that Iran tries to gain time, and adoptedResolution 1835 (2008) which calls Iran to comply fully and withoutdelay with its obligations under the abovementioned resolutions ofthe Security Council, and to meet the requirements of the IAEA Boardof Governors;2 Long run negotiations between P5+Germany and Iranwere unsuccessful. Sides couldnt find new ways for solving Iraniannuclear dispute. The Western powers, however, had dissipated bymidJuly. A joint statement issued by the G8 countries following asummit in Italy set a deadline for September 15 for Iran to engagein negotiations or face the possibility of increased sanctions. Obamaasserted that the U.S. was not going to just wait indefinitely for Iranto respond. With Western strategy reverting to a punitive approach,the basis of a diplomatic confrontation with China was laid. Unlikeprior cases, which were resolved relatively quickly, it would take ninemonths for the P5 to secure an agreement on added pressure againstTehran. 3

On June 9, 2010, the UNSC approved Resolution 1929 by a voteof 12 in favor, two (Turkey and Brazil) opposed, and one (Lebanon)abstaining. Like the three that had preceded it since 2006, the aim ofthis resolution was to pressure the IRI to suspend uranium enrichmentactivities and comply with IAEA inspection guidelines. Among otherthings, it mandated that Iran not acquire interests in uranium miningabroad; proscribed sales to Iran of several types of weapons, including

1 IAEA Information Circular INFCIRC/730 (July 1, 2008). Available online at: http://www.iaea.org/Publications/Documents/Infcircs/2008/infcirc730.pdf.

2 Resolution 1835 (2008) Adopted by the Security Council at its 5984th meeting,on 27 September 2008, S/RES/1835 (2008) http://www.iaea.org/newscenter/focus/iaeairan/unsc_res18352008.pdf

3 Joel Wuthnow, Beyond the Veto: Chinese Diplomacy in the United Nations SecurityCouncil, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, 2011, page 191http://academiccommons.columbia.edu/catalog/ac:132019


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tanks, warships, missiles and attack helicopters; authorized cargoinspections, with the consent of the flag state; and permitted (thoughdid not require) action against Iranian firms and banks, which provided

a legal basis for European states to impose unilateral sanctions. Inaddition, the resolution specified 40 firms and one individual thatwould be subject to financial restrictions, including those affiliated withthe Revolutionary Guard Corps and the national shipping company.1 Chinas UN ambassador Li Baodong stated, that like previous texts,the current one reflected international concerns as well as the desire

of all parties to resolve thematter through dialogue andnegotiations. However, anyactions undertaken must beconducive to stability in the

Middle East, must not affect the daily lives of the Iranian people, mustbe commensurate with Irans actual practice in the nuclear field, andmust respect all international norms on nuclear matters. He said theadoption of the current text did not mean the door was closed todiplomatic efforts. Indeed, it was an attempt to bring Iran back tothe table, since the sanctions it outlined could be suspended, or evenlifted, if Iran complied with its IAEA obligations. Over the years, Chinahad worked hard to ensure a negotiated settlement of the issue, andwelcomed the tripartite agreement between Brazil, Turkey and Iran.It was to be hoped that Iran would use the momentum generatedby the Tehran Declaration to build the international communitys

confidence.2 Irans top nuclear official lashed out at Beijing Thursday,warning that China is gradually losing its respectable position in theIslamic world. But Ahmadinejad was polite in Shanghai.We havevery good relations with China and we have no reason to weakenour relations with China.... The problem is the United States, saidAhmadinejad, who said Security Council countries had been subjectto pressure and intimidation, according to the Associated Press.3

On Wednesday September 7, 2011 on the 6607th meeting of1 IBID 1912 Security Council, 6335th Meeting* (AM), SECURITY COUNCIL IMPOSES

ADDITIONALSANCTIONS ON IRAN, 9 june, 2010 http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2010/sc9948.doc.htm

3 Peter Ford, At Shanghai Expo, Ahmadinejad polite despite Chinas support for Iransanctions,june11, 2010 http://www.csmonitor.com/World/AsiaPacific/2010/0611/AtShanghaiExpoAhmadinejadpolitedespiteChinassupportforIransanctions

Irans top nuclear official lashed out at

Beijing Thursday, warning that China isgradually losing its respectable position inthe Islamic world.


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UN, Mr. Li Baodong (China) mentioned We regret this situationand reaffirm our understanding that without mutual trust, progresson this issue will remain

elusive. Brazil has encouragedthe Iranian Government tocooperate fully and promptlywith the International AtomicEnergy Agency (IAEA) to clarifyall outstanding issues. While we share the goal of ensuring that Iransnuclear program is entirely peaceful, we expect Tehran to respond tothe international communitys legitimate concerns. At the same time,we reiterate the sovereign right of Iran, like any other State, to thepeaceful uses of nuclear energy under IAEA safeguards.1

In the UN SC China plays a constructive role trying to direct theincreasing tense situation on Iranian nuclear program to negotiationsand to exclude the sanctions regarding Iranian oil and gas production.On one hand China puts efforts to ease the sanction in the whole, onthe other China avoid contradictions with the US, and EU3 which iseager to put rough sanctions up to the military involvement, if Irancontinues to refuse the UN SC resolutions and IAEA requirements. TheWest in its turn tries to make the sanctions in such a way that Chinahas chance to continue its energetic relations with Iran. It is worthmentioning the role of Saudi Arabia and Israel within this respect. SaudiArabia is number one oil supplier for China, and the second one, Israelsupplies China with modern

military weapons. Saudi Arabiaand Israel also make pressureon China to put on more roughpolicy on Iranian nuclearweapon program in UN. Chinapurchases most of its oil andnatural gas from the Middle

East. China is interested in the stability of the region, so as to get theMiddle Eastern energy sources without a risk. China tries to conducein keeping Status Quo between the main powers of the Middle East, so

1 United Nations Security Council 6607th meeting, S/PV.6607 Wednesday, 7 September2011, 10 a.m. New York, page 6 http://daccessddsny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/PRO/N11/487/97/PDF/N1148797.pdf?OpenElement

It is worth mentioning the role of SaudiArabia and Israel within this respect. SaudiArabia is number one oil supplier for China,and the second one, Israel supplies Chinawith modern military weapons.

China is concerned also about the stabilityand security of the Middle East, becausepossible instability in Middle East will bea reason for formation of terrorist andseparatist groups in the Middle East whichmay have an influence on the Xinjiang UyghurAutonomous Region Xinjiang.


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that maintain stability in the region. This can be considered to be themain reason that China is against to the possibility of Iranian nuclearweapon program, as it will affect other countries in the region to start

nuclear arm race which will definitely affect the stability of the region.China is concerned also about the stability and security of the

Middle East, because possible instability in Middle East will be areason for formation of terrorist and separatist groups in the MiddleEast which may have an influence on the Xinjiang Uyghur AutonomousRegion Xinjiang.

China stands for the importance of finding a negotiated solutionthrough political and diplomatic efforts. From my point of viewChina will use veto only if West tries to put sanctions on import andexport of Iranian oil and gas. It is the red line which was drawn byChina. Unless the West does not stand against the interest of Chinaand does not suggest banning import and export of Iranian oil andgas, China will support resolutions. Iran, on its turn, must find newsolutions with P5+1, as it is greatly possible that China will shortenthe imports of Iranian energy sources and enlarge the quantity fromRussia and Central Asian countries, in accordance with security

issues. May it happen, Iran willlose the interested side inUNSC that always tries tosoften sanctions and excludethe ban against import and

export of Iranian oil and natural gas. Some specialist tries to find

similarities between nuclear programs of DPRK and Iran, from mypoint of view, it is not the case, as DPRK demonstratively announcedthat it was withdrawing from the Treaty on the NonProliferation ofNuclear Weapons, unless Iran, which several times announced thatit functions in correspondence with the NP Treaty and Irans nuclearprogram is completely peaceful. Chinas position is to keep Iran ofnonproliferation, safety and stability for Middle East which is the

main oil and gas source for Chinese economy.

Unless the West does not stand againstthe interest of China and does not suggestbanning import and export of Iranian oil andgas, China will support resolutions.


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. 1696, 1737, 1747, 1803, 1835, 1929

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