Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday told his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi that China was “deeply distressed” over the war that has lasted more than two months and said a “comprehensive ceasefire" was needed.
China’s top diplomat met with Araghchi in Beijing, the first time the Iranian foreign minister travelled to China since the war with the US and Israel started on February 28.
“We believe that a comprehensive ceasefire is urgently needed, that a resumption of hostilities is not acceptable, and that it is particularly important to remain committed to dialogue and negotiations,” Wang said, according to a video of the meeting.
China extended support to Iran
“China supports Iran in safeguarding its national sovereignty and security and appreciates Iran's willingness to seek a political solution through diplomatic channels,” Wang told Araghchi.
He added that a complete cessation of hostilities “is imperative,” while restarting the conflict “is unacceptable, and persisting in negotiations is particularly important," according to a statement from China's Foreign Ministry.
Trump is scheduled to visit China on May 14-15, according to the White House, while China’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday said it continues to communicate with Washington about the state visit, which was delayed due to the war on Iran.
The Beijing meeting came amid tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, which remains effectively blocked by the US military as well as Iran and has affected global energy supplies.
“Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, the international community shares a common concern for restoring normal and safe passage through the straits, and China hopes that the parties involved will respond promptly to the strong calls from the international community,” Wang told Araghchi.
Iranian nuclear programme
Wang lauded Iran's “commitment not to develop” nuclear weapons and said China recognised Iran's “legitimate right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy.”
Trump insists that Tehran cannot have nuclear weapons and has threatened that US forces could take away Iran's enriched uranium.
However, Wang called on the Gulf and Middle Eastern countries to “take their destiny into their own hands,” encouraging dialogue between Iran and Gulf nations to “achieve good neighbourliness and friendship.”
“China supports regional countries in establishing peace, security architecture featuring common participation, safeguarding shared interests and achieving common development,” said Wang.
Amid the stalemate in Iran-US talks, Araghchi has in recent days visited Pakistan, Oman and Russia.
On February 28, the US and Israel launched their war on Tehran, killing over 3,300 people in Iran besides displacing tens of thousands.
