BEIJING: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met China’s top diplomat in Beijing on Wednesday (May 6), underscoring close ties between the two countries shortly before US President Donald Trump is scheduled to travel to meet with Xi Jinping.
Araghchi’s visit, announced by state news agency Xinhua, is his first trip to China since the US-Israeli war on Iran set off the most severe global oil supply shock in history, threatening the energy security of China, the world’s top crude importer.
After the meeting, Iran’s foreign ministry said that Araghchi briefed Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the talks with the US and said: “Iran, just as it demonstrated strength in defending itself and remains fully prepared to confront any aggression, is also serious and steadfast in the field of diplomacy.”
“We will do our best to protect our legitimate rights and interests in the negotiations,” Araghchi said, according to the Iranian Students’ News Agency. “We only accept a fair and comprehensive agreement,” he added, with regard to talks between Tehran and Washington.
The Chinese foreign ministry said after the talks that “the current regional situation is at a critical juncture of transition from war to peace”, adding that “China believes that a complete cessation of hostilities is imperative, restarting the conflict is unacceptable and persisting in negotiations is particularly important.”
It also urged the “parties involved” to promptly restore “normal and safe passage” through the Strait of Hormuz. On the nuclear issue, it said that “China appreciates Iran’s commitment not to develop nuclear weapons, while also recognising Iran’s legitimate right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy.”
Earlier this week, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged China to intensify its diplomatic efforts to persuade Iran to open the strait to international shipping.
Bessent said Trump and Xi would exchange views on Iran in person during their May 14 to 15 talks in Beijing. He added the two will seek to keep the US-China relationship on track following a trade truce in October.
Bessent urged China to “join us in this international operation” to open the strait, but did not specify what actions Beijing should take. He added that China and Russia should stop blocking initiatives at the United Nations, including a resolution encouraging steps to protect commercial shipping in the strait.
