China Backs Iran’s Sovereignty and Diplomacy
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters that Beijing ‘supports Iranian side in safeguarding national sovereignty and security’ – and praised Tehran’s ‘willingness to seek political solution through diplomatic channels’ – during the latest briefing from the Chinese capital on Wednesday.
“China supports the Iranian side in safeguarding national sovereignty and security, and appreciates the Iranian side’s willingness to seek a political solution through diplomatic channels. Regarding the issue of the Strait, the international community has common concerns about the restoration of normal and safe passage of the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.
It followed talks between China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Beijing earlier in the day.
“During the talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi, Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasised that since the war broke out, China has been actively pursuing peace and promoting negotiations,” the spokesperson continued. “President Xi Jinping solemnly put forward the four-point proposition for maintaining and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, which has received positive responses from the international community.”
Wang Yi Calls for Peaceful Coexistence
Earlier, Wang Yi revealed Beijing had kept in touch with Tehran via phone and other means during the conflict with the US – and called for a return to the ‘principle of peaceful coexistence’.
“Although we have kept in touch through phone calls and various other means, since the United States and Israel launched their illegal war against Iran, a war that has been ongoing, our stance remains adhering to the principle of peaceful coexistence,” said the top Chinese diplomat.
Araghchi reportedly said: “Iran appreciates China’s firm stance and especially the condemnation of the United States and Israel… “China is a close friend of Iran and in the current circumstances, our cooperation will be even stronger. Iran will only accept a just and comprehensive agreement.”
Hormuz Tensions Deepen Amid US-Iran Standoff
On Tuesday night, Donald Trump announced a ‘pause’ in so-called ‘Project Freedom’ – to guide ships through the Strait of Hormuz. On Monday, he warned that Iran would be ‘blown off the face of the earth’ if it attacked his vessels.
The US and Iran had conflicting accounts of attacks on shipping in the Strait. Washington claimed two vessels had passed through, which Iran strongly denied. Trump also claimed the US had ‘shot down’ seven ‘fast boats’ from Iran, while Tehran said two of those were civilian vessels, with five people killed.
Araghchi dubbed Trump’s ‘Project Freedom’ as ‘Project Deadlock’: “As talks are making progress with Pakistan’s gracious effort, the US should be wary of being dragged back into quagmire by ill-wishers.” Around 2,000 ships are stuck in the Strait, with Iran blocking the key waterway to ‘unfriendly’ vessels – and the US blockading Iran’s ports too.
