China criticizes EU oil embargo on Iran

BEIJING – China says the European Union's decision to stop importing oil from Iran over its nuclear program is not constructive.

The official Xinhua News Agency on Thursday quoted the Foreign Ministry as saying, "To blindly pressure and impose sanctions on Iran are not constructive approaches."

The EU embargo announced Monday is the latest attempt to try to pressure Iran over a nuclear program the United States and its allies argue is aimed at developing nuclear weapons but which Iran says is for purely peaceful purposes.

China says the dispute should be resolved through dialogue and consultation.

The country is a big buyer of Iranian crude oil.