Key Points
- China says disputes should be addressed through dialogue and political engagement
- Beijing calls for restraint by all parties to avoid escalation
- Emphasis placed on regional stability and respect for sovereignty
ISLAMABAD: China’s foreign minister has called for dialogue and restraint during a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart, underscoring Beijing’s position that rising tensions in West Asia should be managed through political and diplomatic means rather than confrontation.
According to a readout issued by China’s state-run Xinhua news agency, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi on Thursday that China opposes the use or threat of force in international relations and believes the Iranian government and people are capable of overcoming challenges and safeguarding national stability.
“China opposes the use or threat of force in international relations and believes that the Iranian government and people can overcome difficulties and safeguard national stability,” Wang was quoted as saying.
He urged all parties to value peace, exercise restraint, and resolve differences through dialogue, adding that Beijing is willing to play a constructive role in promoting stability. “China hopes all sides will cherish peace, exercise restraint, and resolve disputes through dialogue,” it added, quoting Wang.
Araqchi briefed Wang on Iran’s assessment of the current regional situation and Tehran’s position on recent developments. He welcomed China’s consistent support for political solutions and its emphasis on respect for sovereignty, according to the Chinese account of the call.
The exchange comes against a backdrop of heightened regional uncertainty and renewed economic pressure on Iran. Earlier this week, United States President Donald Trump warned of possible new tariff measures linked to Iran, prompting Chinese officials to state that Beijing will safeguard its legitimate interests and oppose actions that undermine stability or disrupt international economic ties.
China maintains close diplomatic and economic relations with Iran and has increasingly positioned itself as an advocate of dialogue-based solutions in West Asia. Chinese officials have repeatedly argued that pressure, sanctions and coercive measures risk deepening tensions and complicating prospects for long-term peace.
Beijing has also emphasised that stability in the region is essential for development, trade and energy security, calling on regional and external actors to act responsibly and support diplomatic engagement.
