WANA (Apr 23) – In a significant diplomatic meeting held on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi described Iran as China’s “strategic partner in West Asia” during talks with his Iranian counterpart, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, who is visiting China as the head of a senior diplomatic delegation.

 

Araghchi arrived in China earlier in the day to deliver a message from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and hold consultations with top Chinese officials. According to a statement released by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two sides met in Beijing on Wednesday evening.

 

During the meeting, Wang Yi emphasized the enduring strength of the China-Iran partnership, stating, “Iran is China’s strategic partner in the Middle East. Our friendship has withstood international turbulence, and the expansion of China-Iran relations represents a shared strategic choice. In recent years, the two countries have supported each other in difficult times, deepening political trust and practical cooperation, while standing united against unilateral bullying.”

 

Criticism of U.S. Trade Tactics

Wang also criticized U.S. trade policies, saying, “The United States, through misuse of tariffs, has lost global support and isolated itself from the international community. In today’s chaotic world, the need to uphold multilateralism and defend the fundamental norms of international relations is more urgent than ever.”

 

He reaffirmed China’s willingness to collaborate with Iran in implementing the outcomes of recent presidential-level discussions, reinforcing friendly cooperation across sectors, deepening coordination in regional and international affairs, and strengthening joint efforts within organizations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS.

 

Iran Reaffirms Commitment to Strategic Partnership

Araghchi, in turn, expressed Tehran’s commitment to advancing its relationship with Beijing. “Iran attaches great importance to relations with China, supports the One-China policy, and stands by China in safeguarding its core interests. Our comprehensive strategic partnership is built on mutual trust and is at its highest level in history.”

 

He continued, “The friendship between our countries is solid and will not be shaken by external factors. Facing U.S. tariff abuses and hegemonic behavior, Iran will continue to firmly support China, oppose unilateralism, and champion multilateralism. We support China’s rotating presidency of the SCO and seek to strengthen high-level exchanges, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and enhance coordination in multilateral frameworks such as the UN and the JCPOA.”

 

Nuclear Talks and Regional Developments

The statement further noted that the two sides held in-depth discussions on the latest developments in Iran’s nuclear file. Wang reiterated China’s consistent support for a political and diplomatic resolution and its opposition to the use of force or unilateral sanctions.

 

“China appreciates Iran’s commitment not to pursue nuclear weapons, respects its right to peaceful nuclear energy, and supports its engagement in dialogue with all relevant parties, including the United States, to safeguard its legitimate rights through consultation,” the statement read. “Iran’s efforts contribute to strengthening the global non-proliferation regime and promoting regional peace and stability.”

 

Araghchi expressed appreciation for China’s “important and positive” role in advancing a political and diplomatic solution to the nuclear issue, voicing Iran’s readiness to maintain close communication with Beijing on the matter.

 

The two ministers also exchanged views on key regional issues, including the war in Gaza, conflicts in Syria and Yemen, and the situation in the Red Sea.

 

Following this official meeting, Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi emphasized the strength of bilateral ties in a post on his personal account on X (formerly Twitter).

 

“I am pleased to have visited China for the second time in less than four months,” Araghchi wrote. “Good friends should meet and engage regularly. As a Chinese proverb says, ‘The road is smoother when walked with friends.'”

 

Reaffirming Iran’s commitment to its relationship with Beijing, Araghchi added, “No matter how international circumstances may change, Iran will always regard China as a trusted partner and friend.”