China Backs Iran's Sovereignty as Beijing Prepares to Host Trump

(MENAFN) Beijing threw its diplomatic weight behind Tehran on Wednesday, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi offering pointed support to Iran even as China prepares to welcome US President Donald Trump for a high-stakes state visit next week.

"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 Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during face-to-face talks in Beijing.

Wang went further, warning that a complete halt to hostilities "is imperative" while reigniting the conflict "is unacceptable, and persisting in negotiations is particularly important," according to an official readout from China's Foreign Ministry.

Araghchi arrived in Beijing at China's invitation for the two sides' first in-person meeting since the US and Israel launched military operations against Iran on Feb. 28. His visit comes as Trump prepares to touch down in China on May 14–15, per the White House — a trip that had been postponed due to the ongoing war. China's Foreign Ministry confirmed Wednesday that coordination with Washington over the visit remains active.

The Beijing summit unfolded against the backdrop of a paralyzed Strait of Hormuz, where US military assets and Iranian forces have effectively blocked one of the world's most critical energy corridors, sending ripples through global oil markets.

On the strait, Wang delivered a direct message to the international community: "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."

Iran's Nuclear Program
Wang also weighed in on one of the conflict's most combustible flashpoints — Iran's nuclear capabilities — praising Tehran's "commitment not to develop" nuclear weapons while affirming that Beijing recognized Iran's "legitimate right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy."

The remarks put Beijing in direct tension with Trump, who has repeatedly insisted Tehran will not be permitted to develop nuclear arms and has floated the possibility of US forces seizing Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium.

Broadening his remarks to the wider region, Wang urged Gulf and Middle Eastern nations to "take their destiny into their own hands," advocating for direct dialogue between Iran and Gulf states to "achieve good neighborliness and friendship."

"China supports regional countries in establishing peace, security architecture featuring common participation, safeguarding shared interests and achieving common development," Wang said.

With Iran-US negotiations stalled, Araghchi has conducted a rapid regional diplomatic circuit in recent days, making stops in Pakistan, Oman, and Russia before landing in Beijing.

The human toll of the conflict continues to mount. Since the US and Israel launched their assault on Tehran on Feb. 28, more than 3,300 Iranians have been killed and tens of thousands displaced. On the American side, at least 13 US servicemen have lost their lives and dozens more have been wounded, as Iran has struck back against US bases and assets across the Middle East.

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