China warns Tehran not to develop nuclear weapons

Iran slipped further into global isolation Thursday as China, its traditional ally, warned Tehran against its pursuit of nuclear weapons. “China adamantly opposes Iran developing and possessing nuclear weapons,” Wen Jiabao, the Chinese premier, said. China appears to have sent a message to Iran that it could not rely on Beijing’s unstinting support by reducing its imports of oil at a time when the U. S. and Europe are promoting an embargo on the country.