BEIJING: Wang Yi said China supports Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear development while appreciating Tehran’s commitment not to pursue nuclear weapons.
During talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in Beijing on Wednesday, Wang Yi reiterated China’s position that diplomacy and negotiations remain essential to resolving the ongoing regional crisis, warning against any return to military confrontation.
Describing the Middle East situation as being at a “critical juncture between war and peace,” Wang called for an immediate halt to hostilities and stressed the importance of maintaining dialogue efforts.
He said China supports Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty and security and praised Tehran for pursuing a political settlement through diplomatic channels.
Wang also highlighted growing international concern over disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, urging all relevant parties to help restore safe and normal maritime navigation through the strategic waterway.
Restoring regional stability
The Chinese foreign minister further encouraged Gulf and Middle Eastern countries to strengthen regional dialogue and cooperation, saying countries in the region should “take the future of the region into their own hands” by building a security framework based on shared participation and development.
China, he added, remains willing to play a constructive role in reducing tensions, facilitating peace efforts and restoring regional stability.
Araghchi briefed Wang on the latest developments in Iran-US discussions, saying recent events showed that political crises “cannot be resolved through military means.”
The Iranian minister said Tehran remains committed to defending its sovereignty while continuing diplomatic efforts towards a long-term settlement. He also welcomed China’s role in preventing further escalation and reaffirmed Iran’s strategic partnership with Beijing.
Both sides also pledged to deepen bilateral cooperation as the two countries mark 55 years of diplomatic relations.
