Sanctions, pressure will not help solve Iran issue: Chinese spokesperson

BEIJING, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian noted on Thursday that imposing sanctions and exerting pressure will not be useful in solving the Iran issue.

Lin made the remarks at a regular press briefing after U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to launch what he described as "the most crushing economic operation" against Iran.

China calls on relevant parties to take responsible steps and resolve the issue through political and diplomatic means, the spokesperson said.