Clinton Calls On China To Join 'United Front' On Iran Sanctions

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has called on China to support a U.S. call for countries to cut back on imports of Iranian oil to increase pressure on the Islamic republic over its nuclear program.

Speaking on May 4 in Beijing on the second day of talks with Chinese officials, Clinton said a "strong and united" stance on Iran was the best chance of compelling Tehran to address international concerns about its suspected nuclear-weapons program.

The United States next month is expected to start imposing sanctions on financial institutions in countries that continue to purchase Iranian oil.

China, a major purchaser of Iranian oil, is opposed to the U.S. sanctions, but reports say it has begun gradually decreasing its consumption of Iranian crude.

Iran denies allegations its nuclear program has a weapons element.

Based on reports by AFP and AP