Update | Beijing could play crucial role as nuclear talks with Iran enter final stretch
Many analysts have said that by providing an important lifeline to the Iranian government, China’s trade and energy deals could reduce incentive for Tehran to compromise for a nuclear agreement
It has been a long road, but a deal with Iran on its nuclear programme may be in sight.
While the US and Tehran have been the driving forces in negotiations and China has largely taken a backseat role, analysts believe Beijing could help steer the talks to a much-anticipated deal.
The top US and Iranian diplomats met for a sixth consecutive day on Sunday to try to resolve obstacles to a nuclear accord, including when Iran would get sanctions relief and what advanced research and development it may pursue.
US Secretary of State John Kerry and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif are trying to meet a Tuesday deadline for a final deal under which Iran would curb its atomic work for more than a decade in exchange for sanctions relief.
Riding on its long-standing relationship with Tehran and fuelled by geopolitical interests, Beijing has branded itself as a neutral arbitrator in the negotiations.
Although still widely seen as a low-profile member of the six-nation talks, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi's presence in key negotiations, Chinese analysts said, was an indication that China has been actively engaged.