China and Iran FMs: Mideast Shouldn’t Be Big Power Battleground

The foreign ministers of China and Iran agreed on Saturday that the Middle East should not be a region for external geopolitical competition or conflict among major powers. They emphasized that the region must not become a battleground for nations outside the Middle East.

Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s new foreign minister, is on his first official visit to China. During his discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the two diplomats highlighted the need for international respect for the sovereignty, stability, unity, and territorial integrity of Middle Eastern countries.

Both ministers called for a ceasefire in Gaza, the proper enforcement of the ceasefire in Lebanon, and the advancement of efforts related to counter-terrorism, reconciliation, and humanitarian aid in Syria. They agreed that the Middle East belongs to its own people and should not be subject to the geopolitical interests and conflicts of external powers.

China and Iran have both supported Syria’s former president Bashar al-Assad, although the new Syrian leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, opposes Iran’s influence.

In addition to regional issues, the two diplomats discussed Iran’s nuclear program, which has raised concerns, particularly from the United States and the UK, regarding potential weapons development. Tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear activities escalated after former President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from a key agreement that had placed limits on Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.

Wang reaffirmed China’s support for Iran’s position on the matter, emphasizing that Beijing stands by Iran in protecting its legitimate rights and interests. As Iran’s largest trading partner, China is also a major buyer of Iranian oil, despite sanctions.