Iran Situation: Chinese Foreign Minister Says Ceasefire Should Be a Priority

Beijing — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasised that a ceasefire is currently the priority in Iran. ‘Our principled position on the Iran issue can be summarised in one sentence: a ceasefire and an end to the war. As an ancient Chinese proverb goes, weapons are tools that usher in calamity and should not be used without careful consideration,’ Wang Yi said at a press conference on ‘China’s Diplomacy and Foreign Policy’ in Beijing on Sunday. Facing the Middle East entering the flames of war, Wang Yi said that such war should not occur. ‘War does not benefit any party. History in the Middle East repeatedly reveals to the world that military power is not the way to solve problems; armed clashes only add new hatred and fuel new crises,’ he explained. China, Wang Yi said, wishes to reiterate that military operations should immediately cease to prevent repeated escalation and to avoid the flames of war spreading beyond the region. ‘We believe that in handling the Iran issue and related Middle East issues correctly and properly, five basic principles should be upheld: first, respect for the sovereignty of states,’ Wang Yi said. Wang Yi noted that sovereignty is the foundation of the current international order. ‘We believe that sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of Iran and Gulf region states should be respected and must not be violated,’ he asserted. Second, no abuse of power. ‘Hard power does not equal moral truth; the world must not return to the law of the jungle. Using force is often not proof of strength, and people should not be innocent victims of war,’ he added. Third, non-interference in internal affairs because the peoples of the Middle East are the true owners of the region. ‘Arab affairs should be decided by the countries in the region themselves. Designing revolutions and regime change will not gain the support of the people,’ he said. Fourth, resolve problems through political means. ‘China has long held that peace should be valued. All parties should return to the negotiating table as soon as possible, settle differences through equal dialogue, and strive to achieve shared security,’ he added. Fifth, major powers must play a constructive role and use their power in good faith. ‘China has another ancient proverb: when virtue and justice are not exercised, the situation becomes both attacked and defensive. Major powers should uphold justice, walk the right path, and contribute more positive energy to peace and development in the Middle East,’ he added. As a sincere friend and strategic partner to Middle Eastern countries, China, Wang Yi said, is prepared to work with Middle Eastern nations to implement the Global Security Initiative, restore order to the Middle East, restore calm to its people, and restore peace to the world. The United States and Israel attacked Iran on 28 February 2026, killing Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and at least 926 civilians. US President Donald Trump said the aim of the attack was to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons or ballistic missiles, and to place ‘someone who is rational and sane’ to lead Iran, the report said. Iran has itself responded with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and Gulf states hosting US military assets.