US Treasury Secretary Geithner Visits China Calls for Reduction of Imports of Iranian Petroleum

US Treasury Secretary Geithner visited China on the 10th. The U.S. State Department stated that Geithner’s visit will discuss with Chinese officials how to pressure Iran. At the same time, the United States called on China to reduce its dependence on Iranian oil.

US media reported that Geithner hopes to gain China’s support for sanctions against Iran. The U.S. State Department confirmed on the 9th that Geithner will discuss Iranian issues with Chinese officials. The State Council also pointed out that China and the United States share common goals and both want Iran to implement a joint resolution.

US State Department Spokesman Newland: "China and us enjoy greater goals for Iran to follow the UN resolution. I also confirm that these issues will be discussed during this visit."

Newland also stressed that all countries should reduce their reliance on Iranian oil and demand that Iran comply with its international obligations.

US State Department Spokesman Newland: "We strongly believe that all countries, including China, should work hard to reduce our reliance on Iranian oil, so as to send a signal to Iran to allow Iran to re-oblige its international obligations."

It is reported that China is the largest export market for Iranian crude oil. Although China has reduced its oil imports from Iran due to pricing disputes, it has not joined the embargo on Iranian oil. Experts believe that China can hardly obtain the same amount of oil imports from other sources, so China is unlikely to support the Iranian oil embargo. Prior to his visit to China, China’s Vice Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai stated that Iran is an important oil supplier to China, but the trade between China and Iran has nothing to do with Iran’s nuclear program.