Beijing ready to play a 'constructive role': Chinese FM talks to Israel, Iran counterparts; affirms support for Tehran

China’s top diplomat Wang Yi held phone calls with his Iranian and Israeli counterparts on Saturday, making clear Beijing’s backing for Tehran and calling for an end to the rising hostilities in the region. The calls came just hours after Iran and Israel exchanged fire, following an unprecedented Israeli airstrike targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites. The latest escalation has sparked growing international concern, with fears mounting that the Middle East may be on the brink of a wider conflict. In statements released late on Saturday, China’s foreign ministry outlined Wang’s conversations with the two countries’ foreign ministers. Speaking first with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Wang assured him that China “supports Iran in safeguarding its national sovereignty, defending its legitimate rights and interests, and ensuring the safety of its people”. China has long-standing economic and strategic ties with Iran, it is Tehran’s largest trading partner and a major buyer of its oil, even as the country remains under heavy US sanctions.

Wang criticised Israel’s actions, saying they “seriously violate... the basic norms governing international relations”. Referring to the strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, he warned that such attacks “have set a dangerous precedent with potentially catastrophic consequences”. In a follow-up call with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, Wang said China “clearly opposes Israel’s violation of international law by attacking Iran with force”, describing the move as “unacceptable”. He also relayed the contents of his earlier conversation with Araghchi to Saar and underlined the need for diplomacy over military action. “Diplomatic means for the Iranian nuclear issue have not been exhausted and there is still hope for a peaceful solution. Force cannot bring lasting peace,” Wang was quoted as saying by AFP. Wang added that China is ready to play “a constructive role” in easing tensions and preventing further escalation.