BEIJING — China is willing to work with France to prevent further escalation of tensions on the Iran nuclear issue, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Aug 9 in a phone conversation with Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic counselor to French President Emmanuel Macron.

During the phone talks, Wang expressed China's support for the mediation efforts France has made to resolve the stalemate on the Iran nuclear issue, saying that China has also made huge efforts in saving the Iran nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Adhering to the deal means safeguarding multilateralism, safeguarding fairness and justice, and safeguarding regional security and stability, said Wang.

As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, China is willing to join hands with France to safeguard the authority and validity of the international agreement, encourage all parties to show flexibility, and, in particular, prevent further escalation of the tensions, said Wang.

For his part, Bonne briefed Wang on the current situation of the Iran nuclear issue, while expressing willingness to enhance coordination and cooperation with China in a bid to create conditions for easing the tensions through dialogue.

The two sides also exchanged views on bilateral relations.