China's defense minister, while pointing to his country's readiness to strengthen security and defense cooperation with Iran within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, said that Beijing always supports the resolution of differences in Iran's nuclear issue through dialogue.

Afghan Voice Agency (AVA): China's Defense Minister Li Shangfu announced yesterday (Tuesday) his country's readiness to strengthen military cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran and Belarus as two new members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
 
Speaking at the Moscow Security Conference (MCIS), Shangfu said that Beijing is ready to increase security and defense cooperation with Tehran and Minsk within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
 
According to "Sputnik" news agency, he explained about this: "China is ready, as in the past, to strengthen security activities in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and to actively deepen defense cooperation with the new members of the organization, Iran and Belarus."
 
This senior Chinese military official stated: "Beijing is ready to hold joint military drills and exercises with all countries, as well as find a wider space to hold drills and strengthen international cooperation in the field of arms control and non-proliferation."
 
According to this report, in another part of his speech, Shangfu stated that the cooperation between Russia and China in the military field is not against any third country.
 
In this regard, he said: "The relations between China and Russia are entering a new era and continuous development with all-round participation and strategic cooperation. The relationship between China and Russia in the military field is an example of unity and confrontation with hostilities.
 
The Chinese Defense Minister further emphasized that Beijing supports the strengthening of mutual trust in Ukraine, Afghanistan and Syria.
 
Accordingly, Shangfu explained, "China always supports strengthening mutual trust, promoting common understanding, and resolving common differences through dialogue on the issues of Afghanistan, Syria, the Korean Peninsula, Ukraine, and Iran's nuclear issues."
 
Stating that differences of opinion are inevitable, he added: "But it is important to speak frankly and resolve differences." "China actively promotes negotiations and cease-fires and helps to build more international consensus."
 
After about 17 years passed since Iran's request for official membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, on Tuesday, it was the 13th of Cancer, when Tehran's membership was officially announced at the 23rd meeting of the heads of this organization. Along with other allies such as China and Russia, Iran became the ninth member of Shanghai so that both Tehran and this organization can show their influence and power.