**China Willing to ‘Safeguard Iran’s Legitimate Rights’, Official Says**
**Beijing, September 16, 2026** – In a significant diplomatic engagement, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed Beijing's commitment to strengthening dialogue and cooperation with Iran, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding Iran's legitimate rights and interests. This statement was made during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Beijing.
The meeting comes at a crucial time, just a week before Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit the United States for discussions with President Donald Trump. The agenda for this high-level meeting is expected to include topics such as the ongoing conflict involving Iran and the strategic situation in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipments.
Wang Yi encouraged both Iran and the United States to approach their interactions with rationality and restraint. He underscored the need for all involved parties to take effective measures to reopen the Strait of Hormuz promptly, highlighting China's desire to prevent further escalation of regional tensions, particularly in Yemen and the Red Sea.
During the discussions, Wang also called for the rebuilding of a negotiation framework between Tehran and Washington, based on previously established agreements. He noted that the current geopolitical climate illustrates the inadequacies of the existing security architecture in the Middle East, advocating for necessary reforms and enhancements to ensure stability in the region.
China's stance on Iran has remained consistent, with Wang affirming Beijing's readiness to promote peace, fairness, and justice throughout the Middle East. This commitment aligns with China's broader foreign policy objectives in the region.
In a related context, earlier this week, Chinese officials dismissed reports from US media alleging that Chinese entities had provided Tehran with satellite imagery of a military base housing US troops in Jordan. This follows President Trump's earlier communications with President Xi, where he urged against the sale of weapons to Iran.
China has established itself as a key economic partner for Iran, being the largest purchaser of Iranian crude oil. This relationship underscores the significance of diplomatic ties between the two nations, especially in light of ongoing tensions involving the United States and its allies.
As the international community watches closely, the developments in Beijing signal China's proactive role in Middle Eastern diplomacy, particularly concerning Iran's position on the global stage. The upcoming discussions between Presidents Xi and Trump will be pivotal in shaping the future of US-China relations and their implications for regional stability.