China says no reason to target its firms over Iran

TEHRAN,Nov.12(MNA)-- China and Iran have normal business ties which should not be targeted by any new sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Friday, repeating that in any case sanctions were not the solution. "Just like many countries, China and Iran have transparent and normal commercial dealings," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told a daily news briefing. "These dealings benefit the peoples of both countries. They do not harm the interests of other countries nor the international community and they do not violate Security Council resolutions. Even less do they detract from China's stance on nuclear proliferation," he added. "I wish to reiterate that dialogue and cooperation are the most effective channel for resolving the Iran nuclear issue. Pressure and sanctions do not help to fundamentally resolve the problem."