China urges ‘complete cessation’ of hostilities in Middle East as Wang Yi meets Iran’s Araghchi
2 min readUpdated: May 6, 2026 02:34 PM IST
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi for talks in Beijing on Wednesday, Chinese state news agency Xinhua said.
Following the meeting, Iran’s foreign ministry said that Araghchi briefed Yi on the deliberations with the US and said: “Iran, just as it demonstrated strength in defending itself and remains fully prepared to confront any aggression, is also serious and steadfast in the field of diplomacy.” “We will do our best to protect our legitimate rights and interests in the negotiations,” Iranian Students’ News Agency quoted Araghchi as saying. “We only accept a fair and comprehensive agreement,” he said about US-Iran talks.
The Chinese foreign ministry said, “The current regional situation is at a critical juncture of transition from war to peace,” adding, “China believes that a complete cessation of hostilities is imperative, restarting the conflict is unacceptable, and persisting in negotiations is particularly important.”
China also wanted the “parties involved” to restore “normal and safe passage” through the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible. Clearing its position on the nuclear issue, China appreciated “Iran’s commitment not to develop nuclear weapons”, while also acknowledging Iran’s “right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy”.
Meanwhile, United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday firmly rejected claims that China has challenged his administration over war with Iran, South China Morning Post reported.
At a White House event on May 5, Trump told reporters, “We haven’t been challenged by China. They don’t challenge us,” on its war with Iran, adding that Xi “wouldn’t do that – I don’t think he’d do that because of me,” the SCMP quoted.
Trump’s rejection comes just days before the two leaders are set to meet at the summit in Beijing on May 14 and 15, where they are scheduled to discuss the Iran situation.