China's decision not to assist Iran in building a nuclear reactor is a positive sign for regional stability in the Middle East, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said August 26.
Netanyahu, speaking at a press conference at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan, said that Chinese Vice Premier Li Lanqing "assured me that China has canceled out on proposed plans to build an atomic reactor for Iran." Netanyahu met with Li on August 24 when his plane stopped over at Beijing airport to refuel.
Netanyahu expressed concern over Iran's military buildup at his meeting on August 25 with Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto, saying it threatens the region's peace. "One would hope that the specific pledge that I received in Beijing reflects a general Chinese decision to prevent the arming of Iran," he said.