China's Foreign Minister consolidates next steps with Iran, Oman and France
Beijing — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made telephone calls on Monday evening (2 March) with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot regarding the current Middle East situation.
“Wang Yi conveyed that China has urged the United States and Israel to immediately cease military operations, avoid further escalation of tensions, and prevent the conflict from spreading across the entire Middle East region,” according to a statement from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accessed in Beijing on Tuesday.
He expressed confidence that amid the current grave and complex situation, Iran would be able to maintain national and social stability, gain understanding from neighbouring countries, and ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions in Iran.
Wang Yi also emphasised that China values the traditional China-Iran friendship, supports Iran in maintaining its sovereignty, security, territorial integrity and national dignity, and backs Iran in protecting its legitimate rights and interests.
Meanwhile, Araghchi conveyed the latest developments of the regional situation and stated that the US had launched war against Iran for the second time whilst negotiations between Iran and the US were ongoing.
“This round of negotiations has achieved positive progress, but US actions violate all international law and have crossed Iran’s red lines. Iran has no choice but to mount a full self-defence response,” Araghchi said.
In his conversation with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, Wang Yi expressed appreciation that Oman had actively mediated to promote Iran-US negotiations and made considerable efforts to preserve regional peace. However, he noted that amid the progress of negotiations, the US and Israel deliberately triggered war against Iran, which clearly contradicts the objectives and principles of the UN Charter.
“The immediate priority is to cease military operations, prevent the conflict from spreading, and avoid the situation reaching a point of no return. China urges all parties to make joint efforts towards this goal and supports Oman in maintaining its original intention and continuing its peace efforts,” Wang Yi said.
Wang Yi added that China respects the legitimate demands of Gulf states and supports them in maintaining their sovereignty and national security.
“The expansion of war runs counter to the fundamental and long-term interests of the Gulf states. China hopes the Gulf states will strengthen their independence and autonomy, oppose external interference, develop good neighbourly relations, enhance solidarity and cooperation, and truly hold their future and destiny in their own hands,” Wang Yi stressed.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr expressed regret that the US and Israel had abandoned the results already achieved in negotiations and launched war.
“If this war continues, it will cause more casualties and material losses. All parties must now work together to promote a ceasefire and end the conflict as soon as possible,” Badr said.
As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has consistently adhered to the objectives and principles of the UN Charter and is a reliable positive force, Badr noted.
“In this sensitive moment and complex situation, Oman hopes China will play an important role. Oman will also fully ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions in Oman,” Badr added.
No double standards
In his conversation with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, Wang Yi reiterated China’s position and emphasised that the international community must oppose any action that violates international law and must not apply double standards.
“Major powers must not arbitrarily attack other countries by relying on military superiority, and the world must not return to the law of the jungle. Iran’s nuclear issue must ultimately return to the track of political and diplomatic resolution,” Wang Yi said.
Wang Yi hoped France would maintain an objective and fair position, remain calm and rational, and work with China to push the situation towards greater de-escalation and together safeguard the fundamental norms of international relations.
Barrot outlined France’s perspective on the current Middle East situation and emphasised that France and China are both permanent members of the UN Security Council with special responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.
“The military operations by the US and Israel against Iran were not consulted with the UN Security Council and did not obtain Security Council authorisation. Currently, all parties need to work together to de-escalate the situation and resolve the Iranian nuclear issue and related matters through negotiations,” Barrot said.
China has good relations with both Iran and Gulf region countries, so France hopes to cooperate with China to play a positive role in easing the regional situation, Barrot added.
The US and Israel launched attacks on several cities in Iran on Saturday (28 February) resulting in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whom US President Donald Trump described as “one of the most evil people in history”.
In addition to killing Khamenei, the military aggression also killed other military officials including the Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Mohammad Pakpour, Iran’s military chief of staff Abdulrahim Mousavi, Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh and Defence Council Secretary Ali Shamkhani.
Tehran responded by launching a series of drone and missile attacks targeting Israel, US assets, and several countries in the Gulf region. Three US military personnel were reported killed and five others sustained serious wounds.
The Iranian Red Crescent announced on Monday (2 March) the total death toll resulting from the attacks.