Iran Gets Diplomatic Boost From China
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China has promised to help Iran stand up to "bullying" and to defend its rights and interests through talks, China's foreign minister told his Iranian counterpart, as Iran seeks to rally international support after Israeli and U.S. attacks on its nuclear program.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in the Chinese city of Tianjin, on the sidelines of a meeting of the 10-member Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which includes Russia.
Why It Matters
Wang's show of support for Iran underscores Beijing's expanding influence in the Middle East and comes amid Iranian fears that Israel could launch more strikes on Iran even as the United States and Iran consider a resumption of negotiations on Iran's nuclear program.
China's deepening involvement in a region vital to global energy and security. advances its strategic goals while complicating U.S. efforts to maintain dominance.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaks during a press conference in Istanbul on June 22, 2025. Araghchi held talks with his Chinese counterpart. Wang Yi, in China on Wednesday.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaks during a press conference in Istanbul on June 22, 2025. Araghchi held talks with his Chinese counterpart. Wang Yi, in China on Wednesday.
OZAN KOSE/AFP/Getty Images
What To Know
China condemned last month's strikes on Iran by both Israel and the U.S. and offered to help mediate a restoration of peace in the region. In his offer on Wednesday to help Iran stand up to "bullying", Wang again stressed the importance of talks.
"China will continue to support Iran in safeguarding its national sovereignty and dignity, resisting power politics and bullying, defending its legitimate rights and interests through political negotiation," Wang told Araghchi, according to Chinese state media.
Chinese state media stopped short of naming either Israel or the United States but China has in recent days also accused the United States of bullying other countries on the issue of tariffs.
Iran and the U.S. held five rounds of nuclear talks before Israel launched its attacks last month. The U.S. had demanded that Iran stop all uranium enrichment. Iran has rejected that saying it would not agree to a deal that prevents it from enriching uranium and would not discuss its ballistic missile program.
President Donald Trump has said he is in no rush to negotiate with Iran as its nuclear sites had been "obliterated" by the U.S. strikes. Araghchi, in his talks in China, reaffirmed that Iran had no intention of developing nuclear weapons but it would not give up its right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy, China's Xinhua news agency reported.
Iran was willing to resume negotiations on the nuclear issue on the premise of equality and respect, Xinhua reported the Iranian minister as saying.
China is the main buyer of Iranian oil and said this month it would be ready to supply friendly countries with weapons after being after reports it would sell its J-10 fighter aircraft to Iran.
What People Are Saying
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said: "China highly values Iran's commitment not to developing nuclear weapons."
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a briefing on Wednesday: "The situation in the Middle East is still complex and sensitive. China stands ready to work with the rest of the international community to advocate peace, advance a political settlement, and restore peace and stability.
What Happens Next
Iran is set to deepen its partnership with China, consolidating economic ties and defense cooperation, no matter what the outcome of any Iranian nuclear talks with the U.S.
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