Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated China's commitment to advancing peace in the Middle East during a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on April 16, 2026. The discussion focused on de-escalating regional tensions and promoting dialogue amid ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States.
Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, emphasized that China "supports maintaining the momentum of ceasefire and peace talks," aligning with President Xi Jinping's four-point proposal for Middle East stability. He stressed the urgency of the current situation, noting a "critical stage between war and peace" and called for safeguarding Iran's sovereignty and ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Araghchi acknowledged China's diplomatic efforts, stating Tehran is "willing to continue seeking a rational and practical solution through peace talks." He expressed Iran's expectation for Beijing to further contribute to conflict resolution in the region.
The dialogue underscores China's growing role as a mediator in Middle Eastern geopolitics, with Wang affirming China's readiness to "facilitate improved relations among regional countries" while respecting their sovereignty. The exchange follows heightened global attention on maritime security and energy supply routes in the Gulf region.
