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THE IRANIAN KNOT: THE POSITION OF CHINA ON SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS 1696, 1737, 1747, 1803, 1835, 1929 Mher Sahakyan
Thanks go to David Sahakyan and Anahit Parzyan.

How it happened that China stood upon an important decision to choose between Iran and West within the cooperation frameworks: China, in fact, continues cooperation with both sides. Chinas diplomacy preserving high Why China supported all resolutions level bilateral economic and designed by the United Nation Security political relations with the US Council regarding to Irans nuclear program? on one hand, on the other persist on bilateral economic relations with Iran, as the oil bought from Iran is of great importance for the economy of China. Why China supported all resolutions designed by the United Nation Security Council regarding to Irans nuclear program? What sort of conditions or in what kind of developments China is ready to cross it for the Iranian oil and natural gas? It is important to mention, that China is the worlds most populous country and has a rapidly growing economy, which has driven the countrys high overall energy demand and the quest for securing energy resources. China is the worlds largest global energy consumer, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). The Middle East remains the largest source of Chinas crude oil imports. Iran is historically the China is the worlds largest global energy third largest exporter of oil consumer. to China.1 On October 28, 2004, China signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Iran that awarded Sinopec, Chinas secondlargest oil giant, the rights to participate in developing Yadavaren, an Iranian oil field, in exchange for an agreement to purchase 10 million tons of liquefied natural gas
1 Data courtesy of the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Available online, at: http://www.eia.gov/countries/cab.cfm?fips=CH

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(LNG) over 25 years. The Yadavaren, as one of the worlds largest undeveloped oil fields would have a total production capacity of around 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 mentioned above Iran is the third supplier of energetic resources of Iran. China is interested in the stability and security of Iran which is under danger because of the Iranian nuclear program. In 2006 Situation regarding to Iranian issue was totally changed when IAEA Director General noted that after nearly three years of intensive verification activity, the Agency is not yet in a position to clarify some important issues relating to Irans nuclear program or to conclude that there are no undeclared nuclear materials The Yadavaren, as one of the worlds largest or activities in Iran.2 In 2006 undeveloped oil fields would have a total Iranian nuclear issue was production capacity of around 300,000 brought to the Security council barrels per day, half of which would and at its 5500th meeting, eventually be exported to China. on 31 July 2006 the NO 1696 resolution was adopted. It Calls upon all States, in accordance with their national legal authorities and legislation and consistent with international law, to exercise vigilance and prevent the transfer of any items, materials, goods and technology that could contribute to Irans enrichmentrelated and reprocessing activities and ballistic missile programs. Calls Iran without further delay to take the steps required by the IAEA Board of Governors in its resolution GOV/2006/14, which are essential to build confidence in the exclusively peaceful purpose
1D  ingli Shen Irans Nuclear Ambitions Test Chinas Wisdom, THE WASHINGTON QUARTERLY _ 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 after nearly three years of intensive verification activity, the Agency is not yet in a position to clarify some important issues relating to Irans nuclear programme or to conclude that there are no undeclared nuclear materials or activities in Iran, (g) Recalling Irans many failures and breaches of its obligations to comply with  its NPT Safeguards Agreement and the absence of confidence that Irans nuclear programme is exclusively for peaceful purposes resulting from the history of concealment of Irans nuclear activities, the nature of those activities and other issues arising from the Agencys verification of declarations made by Iran since September 2002, Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the Islamic Republic of Iran 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

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of its nuclear program and to resolve outstanding questions1 After Voting 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 now or in the future, the Council could not handle the issue single handedly.Dialogue and negotiations were the only way out. IAEA should always be the main mechanism for dealing with the issue. Any measures adopted by the Council should serve the purpose of diplomatic efforts. Under the current circumstances, China urged Iran to practice restraint, earnestly implement the requirements of the resolution and make an early response to the package proposals, so as to create conditions for increasing trust and promoting dialogue and negotiation.2 Council Dynamics shows, that US argues that sanctions should be as wide and tough as possible. Russia and China prefer more limited and less severe measures and certainly not ones that would affect their economic interests with Iran. It seems that the Europeans are in between these two approaches. This will impact discussions on the nature of items to be embargoed (Russia and China may reject the listing of the means of nuclear weapons delivery) and whether a sanctions committee should be established. A consensus may be found on an incremental approach.3 1696 resolution was followed up with resolution number 1737, which says that Iran has neither established full and sustained suspension of all enrichmentrelated and reprocessing activities as set out in resolution 1696 (2006), nor resumed its cooperation with the IAEA under the Additional Protocol, nor taken the other steps required of it by the IAEA Board of Governors, nor complied with the provisions of Security Council resolution 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
1R  esolution 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.htm 2 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 sale and trade of nuclear technologies which can be used by Iran to reach heavy water related activity or to the development of nuclear weapon delivery systems. By this resolution UN SC offered to all states to place voluntary ban on individuals who are engaged, associated or providing support to Irans nuclear program. The 1737 resolution placed financial sanctions on individuals and companies which engaged with Irans nuclear and ballistic missile industries.1 On February 21, 2007 the Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations sent the Report of China on the implementation of Security Council resolution 1737 the Chairman of the Committee which says: China supports the adoption by the Security Council of resolution 1737 (2006). We hope that the resolution will be implemented in earnest, while at the same time considering that sanctions are not a goal, but only one means of getting Iran to rejoin the negotiations. The sanction measures presently being applied by the Security Council are limited and reversible. China calls upon all concerned to continue to pursue allround diplomatic efforts to resume negotiations at the earliest possible date, and to strive for a lasting, comprehensive and appropriate settlement. China will continue to play a constructive role.2 On February 22, 2007, El Baradei reported that Iran had continued to enrich uranium at the Natanz facility and refused to provide details required 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 in commercial deals in that country. This posed particular problems for the PRC, which had existing contracts to supply the IRI with various weapons, including antiship and surfacetoair missiles. Chinas exports 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 March 9, Wang Guangya said that he did not see the need to expand [the
1R  esolution 1737 (2006)Adopted by the Security Council at its 5612th meeting, on 23 December 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 March 2007, S/AC.50/2007/22, Annex to the letter dated 21 February 2007 from the Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations addressed to the Chairman of 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 on export credits.1 After the negotiations, on 24 March, 2007, the Security Council at its 5647th meeting adopted Resolution 1747 (2007) which says that Iran must not supply, sell or transfer any arms or related material. It calls upon all states and international financial institutions not to enter into new commitments for grants, financial assistance, and concessional loans, to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, except for humanitarian and development purposes. The new list of 13 entities and 15 persons involved in nuclear or ballistic missiles activities was added to resolution 1747 that would undergo financial limitation.2 If Iran is prohibited to sell, supply or transfer weapons, all other countries were called for vigilance in arms sales to Iran and to omit a ban on export credits. What was the problem that West, though temporary, agreed not to prohibit but abstain from selling weapons to Iran? The reason was Russia and China that could have put a veto if the West tried to involve this point into the resolution text. Within this accordance the USA, Great Britain and France insured themselves from the possible veto of Russia and China. Chinas ambassador in UN Wang Guangya said that his country had all along supported safeguarding the international nuclear non proliferation mechanism and opposed the proliferation of nuclear weapons. China did not wish to see new turbulence in the Middle East, and favored a peaceful solution to Irans nuclear issue through political 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 an Iranian rocket launch on February 4 that the U.S. and, notably, Russia were concerned might be a test of ballistic missile technology.4
1J oel 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:132019 2 Resolution 1747 (2007) Adopted by the Security Council at its 5647th meeting on 24 March 2007, S/RES/1803 (2008) 3 Security Council, 5647thMeeting (PM), SC/8980, Available online, at: http://www. un.org/News/Press/docs/2007/sc8980.doc.htm 4 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 1803 at its 5848th meeting. The resolution decides that all States shall take the necessary measures to prevent the supply, sale or transfer materials which can be used for producing nuclear weapons. Calls upon all States to exercise vigilance over the activities of financial institutions in their territories with all banks domiciled in Iran, and their branches and subsidiaries abroad, in order to avoid such activities 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 missiles activities was attached in Annex I,II, III, in resolution 1803, that would be undergo to financial limitation.1 Chinas representative in UN SC Wang Guangya stressed the resolution was the Security Councils fourth on the Iranian nuclear issue since July 2006. It reflected international concern at, and expectations of all parties regarding an early settlement through diplomatic negotiations of, the Iranian nuclear issue. Developments visvis the Iranian issue had been mixed. On one hand, the Director Generals latest report suggested that the Agency could verify the nondiversion of declared nuclear material in Iran and had no concrete information about possible undeclared nuclear material and activities. Iran had clarified such outstanding issues as uranium contamination and polonium experiments, and had provided information similar to that which it had provided previously, pursuant to the Additional Protocol. He said his country welcomed the cooperation between Iran andIAEA, but the report had also stated that Iran had not suspended its enrichment activities, as required by Security Council resolutions, and it had started development of centrifuges. As the impasse had not been broken, the international community was calling for more diplomatic efforts, and hoped that parties could bring the issue back on the track of settlement.2 14 of June Secretary General and high representative of the EU Javier Solana delivered to Iranian government the text of the letter which was designed by China, Russia, France, United Kingdom,
1R  esolution 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 TIGHTENS RESTRICTIONS 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 General and high representatives of the EU. Six powers offer Iran provision technological and financial assistance necessary for Irans peaceful use of nuclear energy, support for the resumption of technical cooperation plans in Iran by the IAEA, support for the construction of the lightwater reactor, provision of legally binding nuclear fuel supply guaranty, cooperation in regard with the management of spent fuel and radioactive waste, ff Iran fulfills the requirements of resolutions adopted by UNSC.1 Iran asked to give information in details and UN SC decided that Iran tries to gain time, and adopted Resolution 1835 (2008) which calls Iran to comply fully and without delay with its obligations under the abovementioned resolutions of the Security Council, and to meet the requirements of the IAEA Board of Governors;2 Long run negotiations between P5+Germany and Iran were unsuccessful. Sides couldnt find new ways for solving Iranian nuclear dispute. The Western powers, however, had dissipated by midJuly. A joint statement issued by the G8 countries following a summit in Italy set a deadline for September 15 for Iran to engage in negotiations or face the possibility of increased sanctions. Obama asserted that the U.S. was not going to just wait indefinitely for Iran to respond. With Western strategy reverting to a punitive approach, the basis of a diplomatic confrontation with China was laid. Unlike prior cases, which were resolved relatively quickly, it would take nine months for the P5 to secure an agreement on added pressure against Tehran.3 On June 9, 2010, the UNSC approved Resolution 1929 by a vote of 12 in favor, two (Turkey and Brazil) opposed, and one (Lebanon) abstaining. Like the three that had preceded it since 2006, the aim of this resolution was to pressure the IRI to suspend uranium enrichment activities and comply with IAEA inspection guidelines. Among other things, it mandated that Iran not acquire interests in uranium mining abroad; proscribed sales to Iran of several types of weapons, including
1I AEA 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 Security Council, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, 2011, page 191http://academiccommons.columbia. edu/catalog/ac:132019

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tanks, warships, missiles and attack helicopters; authorized cargo inspections, with the consent of the flag state; and permitted (though did not require) action against Iranian firms and banks, which provided a legal basis for European states to impose unilateral sanctions. In addition, the resolution specified 40 firms and one individual that would be subject to financial restrictions, including those affiliated with the 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 the Irans top nuclear official lashed out at matter through dialogue and Beijing Thursday, warning that China is negotiations.However, any gradually losing its respectable position in actions undertaken must be the Islamic world. conducive to stability in the Middle East, must not affect the daily lives of the Iranian people, must be commensurate with Irans actual practice in the nuclear field, and must respect all international norms on nuclear matters. He said the adoption of the current text did not mean the door was closed to diplomatic efforts. Indeed, it was an attempt to bring Iran back to the table, since the sanctions it outlined could be suspended, or even lifted, if Iran complied with its IAEA obligations. Over the years, China had worked hard to ensure a negotiated settlement of the issue, and welcomed the tripartite agreement between Brazil, Turkey and Iran. It was to be hoped that Iran would use the momentum generated by 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 the Islamic world. But Ahmadinejad was polite in Shanghai.We have very good relations with China and we have no reason to weaken our relations with China.... The problem is theUnited States, said Ahmadinejad, who said Security Council countries had been subject to pressure and intimidation, according to theAssociated Press.3 On Wednesday September 7, 2011 on the 6607th meeting of
1 IBID 191 2 Security Council, 6335thMeeting* (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 Iran sanctions,june11, 2010 http://www.csmonitor.com/World/AsiaPacific/2010/0611/At ShanghaiExpoAhmadinejadpolitedespiteChinassupportforIransanctions

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UN, Mr. Li Baodong (China) mentioned We regret this situation and reaffirm our understanding that without mutual trust, progress on this issue will remain It is worth mentioning the role of Saudi elusive. Brazil has encouraged Arabia and Israel within this respect. Saudi the Iranian Government to Arabia is number one oil supplier for China, cooperate fully and promptly and the second one, Israel supplies China with the International Atomic with modern military weapons. Energy Agency (IAEA) to clarify all outstanding issues. While we share the goal of ensuring that Irans nuclear program is entirely peaceful, we expect Tehran to respond to the international communitys legitimate concerns. At the same time, we reiterate the sovereign right of Iran, like any other State, to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy under IAEA safeguards.1 In the UN SC China plays a constructive role trying to direct the increasing tense situation on Iranian nuclear program to negotiations and to exclude the sanctions regarding Iranian oil and gas production. On one hand China puts efforts to ease the sanction in the whole, on the other China avoid contradictions with the US, and EU3 which is eager to put rough sanctions up to the military involvement, if Iran continues to refuse the UN SC resolutions and IAEA requirements. The West in its turn tries to make the sanctions in such a way that China has chance to continue its energetic relations with Iran. It is worth mentioning the role of Saudi Arabia and Israel within this respect. Saudi Arabia is number one oil supplier for China, and the second one, Israel supplies China with modern China is concerned also about the stability military weapons. Saudi Arabia and security of the Middle East, because and Israel also make pressure possible instability in Middle East will be on China to put on more rough a reason for formation of terrorist and policy on Iranian nuclear separatist groups in the Middle East which weapon program in UN. China may have an influence on the Xinjiang Uyghur purchases most of its oil and Autonomous Region Xinjiang. natural gas from the Middle East. China is interested in the stability of the region, so as to get the Middle Eastern energy sources without a risk. China tries to conduce in keeping Status Quo between the main powers of the Middle East, so
1U  nited Nations Security Council 6607th meeting, S/PV.6607 Wednesday, 7 September 2011, 10 a.m. New York, page 6 http://daccessddsny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/PRO/ N11/487/97/PDF/N1148797.pdf?OpenElement

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that maintain stability in the region. This can be considered to be the main reason that China is against to the possibility of Iranian nuclear weapon 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 a reason for formation of terrorist and separatist groups in the Middle East which may have an influence on the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Xinjiang. China stands for the importance of finding a negotiated solution through political and diplomatic efforts. From my point of view China will use veto only if West tries to put sanctions on import and export of Iranian oil and gas. It is the red line which was drawn by China. Unless the West does not stand against the interest of China and does not suggest banning import and export of Iranian oil and gas, China will support resolutions. Iran, on its turn, must find new solutions with P5+1, as it is greatly possible that China will shorten the imports of Iranian energy sources and enlarge the quantity from Russia and Central Asian countries, in accordance with security issues. May it happen, Iran will Unless the West does not stand against lose the interested side in the interest of China and does not suggest UNSC that always tries to banning import and export of Iranian oil and soften sanctions and exclude gas, China will support resolutions. the 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 my point of view, it is not the case, as DPRK demonstratively announced that it was withdrawing from the Treaty on the NonProliferation of Nuclear Weapons, unless Iran, which several times announced that it functions in correspondence with the NP Treaty and Irans nuclear program is completely peaceful. Chinas position is to keep Iran of nonproliferation, safety and stability for Middle East which is the main oil and gas source for Chinese economy.

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