BEIJING - China criticized the European Union on Tuesday for
imposing new sanctions on Iran over its controversial nuclear program, calling
again for talks to resolve the stand-off.
The EU governments' sanctions
target major Iranian state companies in the oil and gas industry, and strengthen
restrictions on the central bank, cranking up pressure on the country which has
close trade ties with Beijing.
China is Iran's largest crude oil customer
and, along with Russia, has resisted putting sanctions on Tehran.