China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi has reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to de-escalation efforts between Iran and US, saying that direct dialogue between the two sides is essential.
This came as Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in Beijing as tensions with the United States mount over the Strait of Hormuz.
Araghchi’s visit to Beijing marks his first visit to China, a close ally of Tehran, since the war began on February 28. Araghchi had spoken with Wang by telephone at least three times following the breakout of hostilities.
Additionally, Araghchi’s visit comes a week before US President Donald Trump visits Beijing for a summit with President Xi Jinping on May 14 and 15.
Araghchi’s visit to China also came as Trump announced a pause on a US military operation to escort stranded ships out of the Strait of Hormuz.
During the meeting, China’s Wang Yi described military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran as “illegitimate.”
Wang stated that the Middle East is at a “decisive turning point” and that a comprehensive ceasefire is “indispensable” for regional stability.
On his part, Araghchi expressed appreciation for China’s “firm position,” particularly in condemning the US-Israel war, and said that cooperation between Tehran and Beijing would become stronger than ever.
Araghchi said that China is a close friend of Iran and that bilateral “cooperation will even become stronger under current circumstances.”
Regarding talks between Iran and the US to end the US-Israeli war on Iran that has disrupted regional energy infrastructure and global oil and gas supplies, Araghchi said, “We will do our best to protect our legitimate rights and interests in the negotiations.” “We only accept a fair and comprehensive agreement,” he added
Speaking to a news agency, Ma Xiaolin, Dean at the Institute for International Studies on the Mediterranean Rim at Zhejiang International Studies University, opined that he believes Iran is looking for China to mediate in the talks with the US.
“Right now, Iran and America are in a very difficult moment, there’s no peace, no negotiation and no war. Both Tehran and Washington need to break through the crisis to make a peace agreement. China is an influential superpower which has good relations with Iran and with America.”
Ma Xiaolin
He added that in advance of Trump’s visit to China, Iran hopes China will do something to push ahead America to change its policy towards Iran, and also Iran will want to enhance its Belt and Road relationship with China, particularly in energy and oil supply.
China Hopes Parties To Respond To Calls For Safe Passage Through Hormuz Strait
Meanwhile, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that Beijing believes that a complete cessation of hostilities between Iran and the US is “of utmost urgency” and expressed hope that the parties will soon respond to the international community’s calls for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The ministry added that Beijing is a reliable strategic partner of Tehran.
Earlier in Washington, DC, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had called on Beijing to press Iran to lift its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz. Iran in effect closed the strait through which one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies pass, after the war began, pushing fuel and fertiliser prices sharply higher and prompting fears of a global recession. Following a ceasefire in April, the US imposed its own blockade on Iranian ports in a bid to compel Tehran to agree to Washington’s terms in peace talks.
The war has also strained relations between Washington and Beijing, with the US sanctioning Chinese companies it accuses of purchasing billions of dollars worth of Iranian oil. Beijing hit back on Saturday, with the Ministry of Commerce ordering Chinese companies not to comply with the sanctions.
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