Published 08/14/2024 17:19 | Edited 08/14/2024 18:05
In a sign of strengthening Sino-Iranian relations, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated the country’s support for Iran’s sovereignty, security and national dignity during a phone call on Sunday with Acting Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani. Wang stressed that China is willing to maintain close communication with Tehran amid rising tension in the Middle East.
The two leaders focused their discussions on the current situation in the region, with Bagheri presenting Iran’s position on the recent assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and expressing his country’s concerns about regional stability. “Iran will resolutely defend its national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, while maintaining its commitment to regional peace and stability,” Bagheri said.
China condemns murder and act of violation of sovereignty
During the conversation, Wang strongly condemned Haniyeh’s assassination, calling it a serious violation of basic norms of international relations and an affront to Iran’s sovereignty. He stressed that this act directly undermines the negotiation process for a ceasefire in Gaza and negatively impacts peace and stability in the region.
“China has always upheld justice in Middle East affairs and supported all countries in safeguarding their legitimate rights and interests, especially when it comes to restoring the legitimate national rights of the Palestinians,” Wang said. He added that it is imperative for the international community to join hands in pushing for the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions and creating conditions for a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in Gaza as soon as possible.
Sino-Iranian strategic relations
The call between Wang and Bagheri also reinforced the strategic partnership between China and Iran. Wang said China, which views Iran as a comprehensive strategic partner, is committed to promoting long-term relations between the two countries. Beijing said it is ready to strengthen cooperation with Tehran in various fields, including within the BRICS mechanism, with the aim of increasing the voice and influence of the Global South in international governance.
Bagheri, for his part, expressed Iran’s readiness to deepen coordination with China on international and regional issues, seeking to add an even richer strategic connotation to the bilateral relationship. He also thanked China for its impartial stance on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, expressing hope that Beijing will play an even more active role in promoting peace and security in the Middle East.
Regional context and future implications
The call between the two ministers comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, with Iran accused of supporting Hamas in attacks on Israel, raising fears of a wider conflict in the region. Iran has launched more than 350 drones and missiles toward Israel following an Israeli attack on its embassy in Syria, 99 percent of which were intercepted by Israeli forces and its allies. Despite the escalation in hostilities, Wang praised Iran’s decision not to target neighboring countries, calling it an effort to avoid a wider regional conflict.
China, which recently held joint military exercises with Iran and remains the largest customer of Iranian oil, is reaffirming its position as a key partner for Tehran in defiance of U.S. sanctions. At the same time, Iran’s regional rival Saudi Arabia has provided crucial intelligence to Israel, marking a significant shift in Middle Eastern alliances.
China, for its part, has stepped up its efforts as a peace broker in the region, holding meetings with several Middle Eastern leaders and promoting dialogue between rival Palestinian factions. Wang Yi stressed that Iran is a key player in China’s strategy to maintain stability in the Middle East, and Beijing’s actions in the coming months will be essential for the future of the region.
Source: vermelho.org.br
