China Affirms Support for Iran Amid Middle East Tensions

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and affirmed support for Tehran’s position regarding the current situation in the Middle East. “As a comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly supports Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty, security, and national dignity,” Wang Yi stated during the meeting on Friday, held on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) foreign ministers’ meeting in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, according to a statement from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Wang Yi noted that tensions in the Middle East Gulf region have escalated again recently, and China expressed deep concern over this development. He said that the memorandum of understanding signed over a month ago was a valuable result of mediation and negotiation efforts by various parties. The understanding embodies the aspirations of the people of Iran and the Middle East to end war and establish peace and stability, and these efforts must not be in vain, he stressed. Wang Yi asserted that the door to negotiations, once opened, should not be closed again. “As long as there is hope for peace, efforts should not be abandoned. The most urgent task now is to adhere to the direction of resolving disputes through negotiation and to resume implementing the understanding reached in the memorandum,” he explained. Wang Yi stated that China would adhere to the four-point proposal put forward by President Xi Jinping on maintaining and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East. He added that China will continue to support the mediation efforts of Pakistan and other parties, push for the early resumption of dialogue and negotiations among relevant parties, properly handle the issue of the Strait of Hormuz, and promote the improvement of relations between neighbouring countries. Wang Yi also expressed that China will work together to formulate collective security for the Gulf states and contribute to the early restoration of peace and tranquillity in the Middle East region. Foreign Minister Araghchi briefed on the latest developments regarding the situation in the Middle East Gulf region. He stated that the United States had violated the memorandum of understanding reached by the two sides, leading to increased tensions. He affirmed that Iran’s desire to negotiate has never changed and that Iran does not want the conflict to continue. Araghchi urged the US to fulfil its commitments, exercise restraint, and seek an appropriate solution. “At such a critical juncture, Iran and China, as comprehensive strategic partners, need to strengthen communication and coordination. Iran thanks China for always maintaining an objective and fair stance and consistently promoting peace and a cessation of hostilities,” Araghchi added. He stressed that Iran still hopes China will continue to play an important role in promoting de-escalation and cooling down the situation.